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November 6, 1955 – August 7, 2024

Kim Perry, Bluff City, went home to be with the Lord, on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, surrounded by friends and family at his home.

He was a lifelong resident of Bluff City, the son of Earl Perry and the late Jean Perry, and the stepson of the late Joann Perry.

Wherever Kim was, so was his bright smile and contagious laughter! He was kind and generous; it is no surprise he had many friends and was loved very much by his family.

He was blessed with many friendships. Some he made through his business, Kim-Glo Painting, where he worked diligently painting many residences and businesses throughout the area with the help of his brother, Robert, and his dad, Earl. Kim raised and competed American Foxhounds, and had many hunting buddies, some as far away as Canada. He could often be found fishing with his dad, brother Kip, and friends at South Holston Lake or with friends at a local car show or cruise in with his carefully restored 1969 Nova.

Kim was a follower of Jesus and a lifelong member of Bunker Hill Christian Church. He loved the Lord and his church family. He also had a special place in his heart for two special ladies: His niece, Shelby Perry, and the love of his life, Susan Mercado. Shelby was more like a daughter to him, and they had many adventures! A favorite of Kim’s would be the camping trips at Little Oak, with him taking Shelby and her cousin Leah, and Shelby’s friend Mindy tubing on the lake. He would be laughing the whole time, with his goal of seeing who could hang on the longest! Susan was very special to Kim, and they had several wonderful years together, from travels far away, to spending time together here at home. Susan’s family loved Kim very much, and Kim’s family loves Susan and her family very much!

Kim is survived by his loving father, Earl Perry; brother, Robert Perry; brother, Kip Perry (Elizabeth); step-brothers, Mark Davis and Joey Bowers; special niece, Shelby Perry; nephew, Hunter Perry (Ivy); nephew, Heath Perry; great-nieces, Jenna and Blakely Perry; great-nephew, Grayson Perry; aunts, Faye Johnson, Joann Smith, Velma “Sissy” Hicks, Glennie Asher and Betty Rutherford; uncles, Arlen Perry, Terry Carr and Kenneth “Bud” Carr; and several cousins.

The Perry family would like to thank Dr. Abigail Gass, Dr. Sakshi Singal, and the kind and caring staff at Johnson City Medical Center. We would also like to thank Bunker Hill Christian Church for the prayers, visits with Kim, food and phone calls. Others we would like to thank are friends and caregivers, Dr. Vivian and Ron Clark, and Dr. Juanchichos Ventura. A big “thank you” to Arlen Perry, Joe, Julie and Bridgette Fleenor, Glennie, Johnny and Rico Maines, Terry and Betty Malone, Allen and Beth Casaday, Larry and Jo Cagle, Beryl and April Casaday, and Grant Foster. Thank you, Susan, for loving Kim and being a faithful caregiver to him until the end, you are an angel on earth. A big thank you to the staff of Gentiva Hospice and friends, Tita Molly Cruz, Grace Shoun, Troy and Lisa Rumley and Don Scalf. We are grateful for ALL our friends, neighbors, and family during this time; your kindness will not be forgotten. The help everyone gave made his wish to be home possible.

Kim wished for a graveside service only. The graveside committal service will be at Jones Cemetery in Bluff City at 2 p.m. Tuesday, August 13, with Mr. Grant Foster, minister, officiating. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. It has been requested that because of the parking at the cemetery that everyone meet at 1:40 p.m. Tuesday at Bunker Hill Christian Church and go in procession to the cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at our website, www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.

Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Perry family.