Rev. Perry Vana Hearn, 75, passed away on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, following a life devoted to his Lord, his family, and the people he was called to serve.

Perry was born on February 14, 1951, at home in the Ocmulgee Swamp of Wheeler County, Georgia, to the late Paul and Vennie Clements Hearn. At the age of 13, he lost both of his parents. Following their deaths, Perry and his brother, Terry, moved to Evans County, where their aunt, Ruby Snellgrove, welcomed them into her home so the brothers could remain together.

On May 10, 1970, Perry married the love of his life, Ruth Harn. He often said he had loved Ruth since the third grade, but it took her until late in high school to realize she loved him, too. Their marriage of more than 56 years was a beautiful example of love, faith, and devotion. To those who knew them, they were seldom mentioned separately. It was always "Perry and Ruth." Together, they built a life centered on their faith in God, their love for one another, and their family.

In 1979, Perry answered God's call into the Gospel ministry, beginning 47 years of faithful service. Throughout his ministry, he pastored Friendship Baptist Church, Circle Hill Baptist Church, Rose of Sharon Baptist Church, Rocky Ridge Baptist Church, West Millen Baptist Church, and Scarboro Baptist Church. He continued serving as pastor of Scarboro until April 2026, when declining health led him to resign.

Perry was both a passionate preacher and a compassionate shepherd. He loved the Lord deeply, and that love overflowed into the lives of those he served. His ministry was never confined to the walls of a church or the hours of a Sunday service. When someone was hurting, grieving, or struggling through life's difficulties, Perry was there. He would spend whatever time was necessary to listen, offer comfort, pray, and remind them of the hope found in Jesus Christ. He understood that being a pastor meant more than delivering a sermon; it meant walking alongside people through some of their most difficult days. For Perry, caring for people was not simply a responsibility of ministry. It was an expression of his love for God.

Perry was also active in his community, serving as president of the Rotary Club of Millen during 2001–2002 and receiving the club's Rotarian of the Year award that same year. He was also recognized by the Claxton Jaycees as an Outstanding Young Religious Leader. These honors reflected his commitment to serving others and the communities he called home.

Although he devoted his life to ministry, Perry was just as comfortable in the woods or on the river as he was standing behind the pulpit. An avid hunter and fisherman, he was especially known for his skill as a deer hunter. He found great joy in the outdoors and took even greater pleasure in passing that knowledge and love along to his children and grandchildren. On any given day, Perry could likely be found in the woods, on the river, in the garden, or in the pulpit.

Those who knew Perry will remember his strong faith, his quick wit, his determination, and his willingness to speak his mind. He loved to laugh, enjoyed a good joke, and believed in working hard and doing things well. Above all, he loved God and never hesitated to share that love with others.

Perry's greatest earthly joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud Papa to four granddaughters whom he adored. He delighted in time spent with them, sharing stories, passing along lessons, and teaching them many of the same things he had taught their parents.

The words of Psalm 128 paint a beautiful picture of Perry's life. The psalm speaks of the blessings of a man who fears the Lord and walks in His ways, of a loving wife, children gathered around the family table, and the joy of seeing one's children's children. Perry lived to experience those blessings. His life was a testimony that the greatest rewards are not found in possessions or recognition, but in a faithful walk with God and the love of family. Although his earthly journey has ended, the faith he lived, the love he shared, and the example he set will continue through the generations that follow him.

Perry is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Ruth Harn Hearn; his son, John Paul Hearn and wife Renee; his daughter, Kim Sommers and husband Buck; four granddaughters, Taylor (Hearn) Meyer and husband Evan, Anna Kate Hearn and her boyfriend Jackson Lanier, Abigail McMickle, and Maggie McMickle; and his brother, Terry Hearn and wife Debbie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Vennie Clements Hearn, and his beloved aunt, Ruby Snellgrove.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Elam Baptist Church, with burial to follow in the Elam Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the church, one hour prior to the service.

Pallbearers will be Lance Griffith, Noel Brown, Tommy Johnson, Jeff Landing, Jeremy Lindsey and Hil Johnson.

In lieu of flowers you may make a donation to Ogeechee Area Hospice, Scarboro Baptist Church, or Elam Baptist Church.