Perry Lee Allison Sr.

Perry Lee Allison Sr., age 83, of Thompson Valley, Virginia, passed away Thursday, August 13, 2026, at his home after an extended illness. Perry was born August 18, 1942, in No. 6 Camp of Coalwood, West Virginia, to the late Ruth Harrison Allison and Eugene Thomas Allison. He spent his early childhood in Saltville, Virginia, where his family lived until he was in eighth grade. The family then moved to Tazewell, Virginia. Perry was a 1961 graduate of Tazewell High School, where he lettered in football. On July 7, 1962, Perry married the love of his life, Esther McGuire Allison. Later that year, they moved to Chicago, Illinois, where Perry attended Coyne School of Engineering and Technology. After completing his studies, he worked for Beardsley & Piper, a division of Pettibone Mulliken. They spent the next 12 and a half years in Chicago, where they welcomed their four children, Perry Jr., Mark, Brian, and Robyn. Being a father was one of Perry's greatest joys and most important roles. He was a devoted dad who worked hard to provide for his family and made sure his children always knew they were loved and could depend on him. As his children grew and began families of their own, Perry remained a constant presence in their lives. In 1974, Perry and Esther returned home to Thompson Valley. Upon his return, Perry worked as a coal miner and a tobacco and sugar cane farmer. He retired from CONSOL Energy in 1990. Perry enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing, working with his hands, and taking a long ride. Perry also coached Little League football in Tazewell. Coaching gave him an opportunity to share his love of football, but his influence on the boys went far beyond the game. Some of the happiest years of Perry's life were the ones he spent with his eight grandchildren as “Pappy.” Whether it was helping him build his beloved cabin by hand, swimming in his pool, riding the side-by-side up and down to the creek, and piling into the van for long drives throughout Virginia and North Carolina, the memories made between Pappy and his grandchildren were endless. Perry’s faith was at the center of his life. He was a member of Bundy's Chapel in Witten Valley, was active with the Bland Mission, and served as a board member of Brumley Gap Baptist Camp. Perry read the Bible from beginning to end countless times and lived with a deep and abiding belief in God. Above everything else, Perry loved his family, and at the center of that family was Esther. Their marriage spanned 64 years and included a lifetime of raising children, welcoming grandchildren and great-grandchildren, working, traveling, laughing, and simply being together. Even in his later years, Perry thanked Esther every day for taking care of him. Perry is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Esther McGuire Allison; Four children, Perry Jr. (Tammy), Mark (Karen), Brian (Donna), and Robyn (Jim); Bonus son, Billy Ruble (Tina), and their daughters, Gracie and Aubree; Eight grandchildren, Bethaney, Luke (Danielle), Hayley (Brady), Heather (Justin), Matthew (Amanda), Caitlyn (TK), Morgan (Jacob), and Isaac (Jalyn); Four great-grandchildren, Shyanne, Raymond, Greylynn, and Esther, whom he affectionately called “Essie;” Three step-grandchildren, Tara, Sarah, and Hannah; and two step-great-grandchildren, Lily-Kate and Michael. Two brothers, Gary (Carolyn) and Gerald (Linda). And K-9 companion, Little Bit, who brought so much joy to Perry’s life over the past few years. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and his beloved McGuire family also survive. The family extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. Charlotte Townsend, her nurses Ben and Courtney at Holston Medical Group in Abingdon, Virginia. He leaves behind a family who will miss him beyond words, but who will carry with them the lessons he taught, the faith he lived, the stories he created, and the love he gave so freely. Graveside services for Perry Lee Allison, Sr., will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Grandview Memory Gardens Mausoleum in Bluefield, Virginia.

Perry Lee Allison Sr.

August 18, 1942 - August 13, 2026