07/18/2026
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Tracy Perry
It is with heavy hearts that we remember Tracy Perry—a man whose dedication, work ethic, and love for the towing industry left a lasting mark on Coastal and the community he served for decades.
Although Tracy never had the opportunity to work with us under the new ownership of Coastal Towing Services, I had the privilege of meeting and interviewing him shortly after we purchased the company. It didn’t take long to realize he was someone I would have genuinely enjoyed working alongside. Within just a few minutes, I could tell he was the kind of person who made those around him better—a hardworking professional with a great personality and a genuine passion for what he did.
Long before we purchased Coastal, Tracy helped build what Coastal stood for.
Right out of high school, Tracy began his towing career with Coastal Wrecker Service, where he learned the trade from some of the best operators in the country. Over the next 17 years, he became known as the person who answered the phone no matter the hour, who never hesitated to help someone in need, and who took tremendous pride in serving our community. He wasn’t just an employee—he was part of the family that helped build Coastal’s reputation for professionalism, dependability, and service.
Over the past week, we’ve heard from many of the men who had the privilege of working beside Tracy, and one thing has become abundantly clear—he was the kind of coworker you never forget. Those who knew him describe him as dependable to his core, the guy who would answer the phone no matter the hour and be there without hesitation if someone needed help. He loved to laugh, loved to play practical jokes on his coworkers, and could always be counted on to keep everyone’s spirits up. But when it was time to work, Tracy wasn’t afraid to get dirty. Whether it meant climbing into a creek to hook a wreck, taking on a difficult recovery, or stepping up when the heavy-duty operators were tied up, he never backed down from the job. He took pride in doing things the right way and earned the respect of everyone around him.
One part of Tracy’s story especially touched us.
His son, Rylan, was brought home from the hospital in Coastal truck #631—the very truck Tracy proudly operated throughout his years with Coastal. Tracy cared for that truck as if it were his own, and today that same truck continues to serve our community, fully restored and proudly operating as Unit 292.
When it came time for Tracy’s final ride, Rylan rode alongside our Operations Manager, Dustin “Red” Myers, in one of our 50-ton heavy wreckers. During the procession, Red shared stories about Tracy, answered questions only someone who knew his father could answer, and made sure Rylan knew he wasn’t alone.
While trucks, names, and ownership may change over the years, the people who built this profession—and the families they leave behind—will always matter. That’s what the towing industry has always been about. It’s more than a job; it’s a family.
More than anything, Tracy loved his family and considered his coworkers part of it. He had a big heart, enjoyed life, and never lost his sense of humor. His friends remember his competitive streak, his love of a good meal, the childlike excitement he had whenever it snowed, and the way he could make even the hardest days a little lighter with a joke or a smile. They also remember the deep loyalty he had for the people he cared about. Tracy was the kind of man who stood beside his friends when they needed him—and that’s exactly how they’ll remember him.
To Tracy’s wife, his son Rylan, his family, friends, former coworkers, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him, please know that our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you.
Tracy’s legacy isn’t measured by the trucks he drove or the calls he ran. It’s measured by the people he helped, the respect he earned, the friendships he built, and the son he raised.
If you have any photos of Tracy during his years at Coastal Wrecker Service, we’d be honored if you would share them in the comments below. We’d love for this post to become a place where his friends, coworkers, customers, and family can celebrate his life, share memories, and ensure his legacy continues to live on for years to come.
As one of Tracy’s longtime coworkers said this week:
“When the Lord made Tracy, He broke the mold.”
We couldn’t say it any better.
Rest easy, Tracy. Thank you for helping build the Coastal family that so many of us are proud to be a part of today. Your legacy will continue to live on through the people whose lives you touched, the example you set, and the memories that will never fade.
— Coastal Towing Services, Inc
