Tony Lamar Perry was born March 6, 1970, to Bettye Bell and the late Harold Kemp in Starkville, Mississippi.

Tony confessed Christ at and early age, and united with Mt. Peiler MB Church of Starkville, Mississippi.

Tony enjoyed all sports but discovered a talent for football at a young age. In 1988, after Tony graduated from Starkville High School, he was awarded an athletic scholarship to play football at East Mississippi Community College in Scooba, Mississippi; and studied business administration and played football at Albany State University in Albany, Georgia. He played semi-pro with the Albany Warriors.

Tony met the love of his life at Walmart, in Albany, Georgia, in 1992. He worked on the night receiving crew while studying during the day. On their first encounter, Tony stared at Cookie and stated, "One day, you're going to be my wife!" On November 4, 2008, Tony married Cakeitha in a quaint ceremony in Albany, Georgia, officiated by Pastor Jean Graham. He often visited and fellowshipped at the House of God Miracle Revival Fellowship and Tried Stone Ministries while living in Albany, Georgia.

Tony worked at Tara Foods (Kroger) at the time of his passing. He was a hard-working and focused man. He was an excellent leader and cared for those he managed and supervised.

Tony was preceded in death by his father, Harold Kemp; maternal grandmother, Sylvia Perry; paternal grandmother, Lillie Kemp; aunt, Louise Kemp; aunt, Geraldine Kemp; and sister, Antoinette Monique Kemp.

Tony leaves a dedicated and faithful wife, Cakeitha "Cookie" Harris Perry. His legacy includes three children: two girls, Sade Perry and Lydia Perry, and one son, Pharell Perry. His loving mother, Bettye Bell (Joe H. Bell) of Starkville, Mississippi. Three sisters: Jeanette Bell, Suzette Bell, and JoAnn Bell; one brother: Harold Kemp, Jr., all of Starkville, Mississippi; also a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.