Chase "Uncle Pooh" Perry

McMinnville resident and Murfreesboro, TN native Chase "Uncle Pooh" Perry, age 29, was born December 31, 1995 and died May 12, 2025 at his residence.

He was the son of Kent and Betty Perry of McMinnville.

Chase was preceded in death by grandfather, Kenneth “Buck” Perry; grandmother, Eva Lois Henderson and aunt, Phyllis Gilley.

Chase was born on New Year’s Eve 1995, on a day known for celebration and new beginnings. Chase couldn’t wait and be the New Year’s baby--oh no, he came into this world fast, full of energy and spirit, and just as quickly, he left it. From day one, everyone was on Chase Perry’s own timing. But during the time he was here, Chase made an unforgettable impact on those who knew him, whether for a little or long while.

Chase had a heart bigger than most and never turned away from someone in need. He couldn’t walk past a homeless person without offering something, whether it was a cigarette, a few dollars, or even the shirt off his back. Chase saw the good in people, truly saw them and responded with compassion every time.

Even as a little kid when he was nick named “Chaserpooh” he always just went with the flow and smiled. When he was forced to wear makeup and get his toe nails painted, he was jokingly called “Christina”. Chase was so charming, smart and quick witted; he could have done anything he set his mind to. I guess he had to be, growing up as the baby of four siblings. And let’s not forget that he was always the “favorite” and not just to the parents but the siblings as well.

We all took him in as our own and babied him mostly because he was so easy to love. There are so many memories that each of us hold on to. One of our favorites is him running around with his old navy tops unbuttoned, so as he ran his shirt would fly behind him like Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez in Sandlot. And let’s not forget the time he almost burnt his face off at Pa Bucks farm, where he loved being more than anywhere else. They were like two peas in a pod and you could find them on a tractor bailing hay, checking on cows or sliding off to get milkshakes on any given day.

He was lastly lovingly known as “Uncle Pooh” and received that title when in 2012 his first niece, Averly, was born. He was known as his nieces and nephews “favorite uncle”, sorry ScottJ. Chase brought joy, laughter and warmth to those around him. He had a way of making you feel seen, heard and valued. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all of us that were lucky enough to have known him.

Even though a dark cloud followed him around and eventually overtook him, he fought every day. He fought for his mom and dad who he loved more than anyone. He fought for his brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and all of his special friends.

But in the end…His heart was just too big for this world.

Though he left us far too soon, we believe he is walking the streets of gold, free from pain, with his Pa Buck, whom he loved so dearly. Chases life was a burst of light, brief but brilliant.

In addition to his parents, Chase is survived by his son, Dodge George; siblings, Tara (Thomas) Mullins and Scott (Sara) Wood, both of McMinnville and Christy Perry (Caleb Hendrix) of Smithville, TN; special nieces and nephews, Averly and Parker Mullins, Marcus, Morrison, Mason and Novalee Wood, and Bucksley, Blakelyn and Kylen Hendrix and special friends, Takeisha Dannielle McCormick, Whitley Cantrell, Nick Lawson and Logan Martin.

Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2025 in High’s Chapel with Jonathan Womack officiating. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery in Warren County. Visitation will be Friday, May 23, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 24, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at High’s.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kids of the Community.

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home and High’s Cremations, Inc. are in charge of arrangements.