Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

One of America's and Louisiana's unsung heroes was Perry Thomas. His death had been unbelievable, upon hearing of his passing on Monday September 13, 2021. The phone hadn't stop ringing asking if his death was true. He was a champion for the voiceless and those casted aside. He was a very proud person on the inside not showing any signs of his brilliance outward. Perry was a champion while never wanting recognition. He teamed up with the Legendary Irma DeTiege/Monroe Dispatch to form a legacy which will remembered for a lifetime. Perry was born on August 10, 1949. He attended and graduated from Swayze Elementary, Richwood High School and Grambling State University. In school, Perry was an intellectual genius proclaimed by his teachers Odell "Cuz" Jackson, Nora Brown and the late Abe Pierce. He understood and knew the importance of documentation. Another one of Perry's Claims to fame was his athletic skills. He played football for Richwood High School under the Legendary Coach Mackie Freeze. Perry starred at quarterback, playing with his best friend the late Don Zimmerman. His ability to throw the football with either hand was one of his claims to fame. At Grambling, he signed an athletic scholarship only to have to abandoned football due to a knee injury. Perry worked and retired from the City of Monroe where he was the EEOC Officer. Everywhere Perry worked or traveled, he defended those who others shunned and degraded. Once becoming a staff writer for the Monroe Dispatch who wrote the truth led him to become an advocate the world. People from throughout the US would contact him to advocate their cause through his newspaper column which was read by thousands. He was very consistent and concise with his information. In his 46-year tenure with the Monroe Dispatch, he never missed and issues. Faithfully and on time every week, Perry would submit an article if interest which some labeled, Perry's Poisoned Pen, while only printing the truth in his own clever style. He was known throughout by not only blacks yet well respected by whites and others. His writings struck nerves while making change to unbearable situations faced by Blacks and the poor. Perry didn't mind calling out elected officials understanding how government works for the people not against. He was very knowledgeable to the rights and laws. Perry never looked for any glory or accolades. He was a servant to God who only wanted to help people. He was a family man and a Superman of God. His children and grandchildren was his life as he made sure everyone got what they needed. He was the family pillar, who all looked up to for advice and guidance. Perry Thomas was in incredible person, who served his family, community and the world as a humble servant who God truly blessed. He will be remembered as the Professor, because the truth is the light. His funeral services are Saturday September 25, 2021 at 11 am at Jack Howard Theatre Monroe Civic Center. All attending that aren't immediate family will view at 10am. Funeral service are entrusted to Smith Funeral Home in Monroe LA and burial Richwood Memorial Gardens.

Photo Perry Thomas