Thomas Riley

Perrett

Thomas Riley Perrett, 88, a resident of Luverne, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 13th, 2026, at Troy Health and Rehabilitation. There will be a private service for Riley at a later time.

Riley was a man of many hats throughout his life, from proudly serving his country with the Alabama National Guard for many years to working as a heavy equipment operator for the City of Montgomery for 25 years and 3 months. He also spent 25 years as a poultry farmer so, obviously, Riley was never once afraid of hard work. At home, you could typically find him outside working on tractors or hay equipment, or on drag-racing cars, a hobby he shared with his lifelong best friend, Bobby Owens. His horses always held a special place in his heart and he passed that love down to both his children and grandchildren. Given a choice, Riley never cared to wander too far from home. He could get all the adventure he ever wanted on trail rides no further away than Geneva, Alabama.

Most importantly, Riley truly embodied what it means to be a devoted father and grandfather. Whether it was coaching Rena's travel softball team or turning out steers for John, he was never happier than when he was being involved in his children's lives and supporting them through all the trials and tribulations life could throw at them. Oh, and once those grandbabies arrived, there was nothing he wouldn't do for the little ones who called him "Granddaddy." It was rare for him to miss any event in their lives, from ballgames to beauty pageants and the rodeos that were always guaranteed to be a good time for all of them. If there's one thing we can say about Riley, it's that he lived his life in service and dedication to the family he absolutely adored above all else. Their lives were infinitely better thanks to his love and dedication, and that's an amazing legacy to for anyone to leave behind.

Riley was preceded in death by his parents, Earl & Claudie Summerlin Perrett, and his sister, Rebecca Perrett Beasley. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Linda Gail Perrett; children, John Riley (Meri-Melissa) Perrett and Rena Perrett; grandchildren, Brian, Reid, & Kinley Compton and John Aiden & Harleigh Kate Perrett; one great-granddaughter, Preslee; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Active pallbearers will be Mike Moses, Billy Moses, Aiden Perrett, Clinton Laird, John D'Arville, and Terry Beasley. Honorary pallbearers will be Vince Pruitt, Razor Cox, Rayn Owens, and Kenny Griffin.