Dennis Joe Perry
April 3, 1951 ~ May 22, 2026
He was a man who answered to many names. To the world, he was Dennis. To his family, he was our beloved Sammy. And to so many friends, he was simply “Smiley” — a name that told you everything you needed to know about his outgoing spirit, sharp mind, and courageous heart.
Dennis was a man of immense talent and drive. He built and ran a thriving business, pouring his hard work into everything he did. But when the workday was over, his true passions came alive.
He was a gifted musician, a man who could make a guitar speak and a song touch your soul, no matter the genre. He loved all kinds of music, and through his singing and playing, he gave us the soundtrack to so many of our happiest memories.
He was also a man who loved a good game and a little friendly competition. If you ever saw him around a pool table, you knew you were watching a player who rarely missed his mark. And if you sat across from him at a poker table, you quickly learned he was a pretty darn good player who kept everyone on their toes.
But if you asked him what his greatest achievement was, it wouldn’t have been the business, the music, or the winning hands. It was his family.
For 35 wonderful years, I had the absolute privilege of being his wife. To me, and to everyone who truly knew him, he was simply the best of the best. He loved fiercely, protected deeply, and lived life to the fullest.
He leaves behind a beautiful and lasting legacy in our children. He was so incredibly proud of his sons, Joey and his wife Khalilah, and Shane and his wife Jennifer. He cherished his daughters, Amber and her husband Cole, and Sorena and her husband Matt, along with his eight grandchildren and one great-grandson. He also leaves behind to cherish his memory, his sister and brother-in-law, Royce Ann and Andy Evans. The love he poured into our family will continue to guide us and live through us every single day.
Dennis. Sammy. Smiley.
You played a beautiful song with your life, and though the music has quieted here on Earth, the melody will live in our hearts forever.
We love you. We miss you. And we will honor you by keeping your smile alive.
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You will forever be in my heart. Thank you for loving me as your own. I hope you’re celebrating in Heaven, singing and picking all your favorite songs, and catching the biggest fish.
Love you always
You were my favorite uncle. You were the Fun-cle,. Everything I know about playing music, I learned from you – directly from your direction, and just watching you play. I’m not as good a pool player as you, but what I do know – once again I learned from you. Above all, the music – I will always cherish those memories of pickin’ and a grinnin’ with you.
So until we are playing together again, I won’t say good-bye – I’ll just say “see ya later!”
To my hero your lying blue eyes will never be the same I will always remember playing pool with you and singing along with all your songs you sung r.i.p.uncle Dennis any time I called you you always came through that’s why you will always be my HERO
While I only met and knew Dennis’ better half, Cyndi, I’m sure if I had known him, I would have immediately seen the light, the man, that was the world to loving wife and children. Rest in peace, sweet Dennis.
We haven’t seen you in years but some of our fondest and fun memories were with you guys when the kids were growing up. Y’all were always on our minds throughout the years. Cyndi and kids we are deeply saddened by the news.
Love, Deb & Steve
You are near and dear to everyone’s hearts, and were always a light that could never be dimmed. I remember the times being picked up from school in that tan F150 and spending endless days on The Perry Ponderosa. I remember laps around the lake on my four wheeler, dirt bike, and even the golf cart. I remember fishing and swimming in the lake with no care in the world. I’m proud to be your first grandchild and carry the Perry last name and Joe middle name with pride. I’m so happy I was able to see you last week and know you are in a better place right now. I hope I can continue to make you proud in everything I do.
May you rest in peace, Pawpaw. Thank you for always being there for us anytime we needed you. You taught me many things and helped me become a better person. I know I will always be able to tell Waylon wonderful stories about you and share all the great memories we had together. I love you very much.
As i sit on my porch on a sunday morning which was one of our favorite spots to meet at your place this is very difficult for me to write this not because i dont have plenty to say because mentality this is tough. Almost as tough as writing and estimate ,figuring sq footage when i didnt know what a 3-tab shingle was when is was 19 but just like then im sure you will find a way to help get through this.Thanks for investing in me a skill that has carried me far in life and has help me shape and mold my life in some-many ways. I always cherish and reflect on the memories and conversations we shared together and use those to help me through the rough patches. The Perry Legacy will live through you with several great generations behind you. One memory in particular id like to share though.
A week ago today me and the boys came by and made a visit to see you and just like every time we come you greet us with a smile happy to see us as we were just as happy to spend time with you.Despite all you were going through you always asked about my wife ,the kids ,there careeers ,girlfriends ,cars whatever you wanted to know. May 22 was a special day for us-as our youngest was graduating high school. When you realized he was walking across the stage that day before we could even get it out of our mouth you instantly with your witty response said : “yep and just know ill be right there with you “. We made light of the situation as us Perrys always do and cracked a joke how that walker ( which i know you hated the day it showed up ) would need to be modified to keep up with his long legs. That tore a hole in my heart its like you were manifesting something even bigger and i couldn’t keep it together during that visit.
Fast forward to the morning of when i received the call. That day you did have something up your sleeve. You and the man up above had different plans and that was to ditch the walker and not walk across the stage but FLY across that stage with my son. That morning me and sissy came to say good bye we dressed you put your wings and halo on (and some socks) and released you. It should be easy to spot you when i see you again because im sure your the only one with socks on because you are truly one of a kind
Dad please continue to be the ANGEL you are and watch over us all as we prepare for the long days ,weeks, and years ahead.
Rest In Paradise POPS
I love you always !!
Dennis Joe Perry JR
I almost didn’t write anything here — our relationship was unique and just ours, and I wanted to keep it that way. I didn’t want to share it with the world.
But then I remembered: I didn’t have to tell anyone how special you were. Everyone who ever met you already knew it, instantly. You had such a way about you — a magnetic personality that drew people in, an infectious smile that made everyone feel welcome, and quite the stubborn streak when you wanted it. 😏
You were all of that and so much more to everyone lucky enough to know you. But to me, you will always simply be 𝑚𝑦 𝐷𝑎𝑑𝑑𝑦. And me, your daughter — plain and simple, and everything that entails.
That will always be enough for me. Because I know that alone makes me the 𝗹𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗲𝘀𝘁 girl in the world.
And with the words of a song we used to sing together …🎶
“I’m going to love you forever and ever, forever and ever, amen.”
Love you, Daddy,
Sorena ❤️
I am very sorry to hear about your passing. I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting you however, I did have the pleasure of hearing about you. You see my bestie from work is Khalialah! We have talked about you and also your fond love of music. One song that comes to mind is Remember When. I know you have been fighting the good fight and how incredibly strong you have been through it all. As hard as it is to have you no longer here we know your spirit lives on. Keep watching over your family they need to feel your presence. Those signs you send are so important. Rest in Peace Guitar Man. Thinking of you all during these upcoming days. Much love, The Sabin Family
Dennis,
Thank you for being you! I will miss my visits to get a good laugh and conversation with you. You meant the world to my guys. Your love, care, and concern for my boys was much more than I could ever imagine. The “Perry’s” will never be the same without you here. Thank you for everything and just know you will forever be missed. Your memories with all of us will never be forgotten. With love ~KPerry
To The Family,
Please Accept My Heartfelt Condolences. Truly the loss of a precious loved one is most difficult. Please find comfort in the promise our most loving Heavenly Father Jehovah God gives us in Revelation 21:4″And He will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more; neither will mourning; nor outcry; nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” Yes, We can look forward to a time soon to come when all suffering including death will be done away with forever.
I am so sorry for your lost. I did not
Know Dennis very well. But the times
That I had been in his company. He
Was a very nice and friendly . I know that
He was a good father and grandfather
And he will be truly missed. May your
Soul rest in peace.
Sincerely, Barbara Dilworth