Thurman Austin Perry

Thurman Austin Perry, 86, of Kannapolis passed away at Atrium Health Cabarrus on Sunday, September 12, 2021 after a brief illness.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, September 15,  at Whitley’s Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Roger Bostic officiating. Burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1:00 to 2:00 PM Wednesday, prior to the funeral.

Thurman was born April 26, 1935 in Bel Air MD, a son of the late Lydia Cox Perry and Georgia Lee Blevins Perry. He was the oldest boy of 8 children. In addition to his parents, Thurman was preceded in death by his 1st wife, Joann Burgess Perry, a daughter, Debbie Perry Towell, 2 grandchildren, Michael and Melissa Combs, a sister, Tharon Miller and a brother Dallas Perry.

Thurman was a longtime area resident and member of New Hope Baptist Church. He worked for Cannon Mills in the Boiler room for over 40 years. After retiring from the Mill, Thurman drove a school bus for the Kannapolis city school system, until retiring again in 2019. He enjoyed spending time at his mountain home in Todd. He liked working on his tractor and tinkering on things in his garage. Thurman loved helping his family more than anything.

Those remaining with cherished memories are his wife, Bettie Harper of the home, his daughter, Cathy Bauer of Kannapolis, his son, Joseph Perry (Tina) of Ft. White Fl., 4 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 4 sisters, Mae Stirewalt of Enochville, Kay Johnson of Kannapolis, Sue Sutherland of China Grove, Jean Knowles of Kannapolis and a brother, Ronnie Perry (Terri) of Landis.

Online condolences may be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com and memorial donations can be made in his name to New Hope Baptist Church, 555 Neisler Rd, Concord, NC 28025