2025 South Carolina Hall of Fame
This year’s SCHA Hall of Fame inductee is Tommy Coley. Tommy is a Tennessee native with a rich history in the Hereford breed. Tommy attended the first Coley Hereford production sale at 2 months of age. He spent his youth working on the farm, playing football and showing Herefords with his family. After graduation, he went
Houston, San Antonio, Ft. Worth, Denver. Then, 14 years ago, the job he had wanted since he was a little boy became available. Tommy was hired as the Southeastern Regional Fieldman. They found a home in Sewanee, Tennessee, a location that is a gateway to all 8 states Tommy travels. This was key, as he has been on the road 260 days a year. Kim has been by his
side, providing support and traveling with him when her schedule allows. Kim and Tommy hosted Hereford on the Mountain for many years, welcoming many Hereford friends to their home. Tommy is thankful to have served as the Southeastern Regional Fieldman. His job with the Association and the wonderful people he calls his best friends
to the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He was a member of Block and Bridle, the Livestock Judging Team and Farmhouse Fraternity. While at UT, Tommy met and married Sue Smith in 1973. After leaving UT, Tommy and Sue moved to Ohio to manage Treeline Herefords. Their next move was back to West Tennessee to Sue’s Family Farm in Jackson. Their son Matt and daughter Kristi were born there. From Jackson, they moved to Ashland City to manage Forman and Burris Herefords. After the split between Forman and Burris, they moved to Pembroke, Kentucky to establish Forman Herefords, where they raised and showed several Champions, including a Champion and Reserve Champion Heifer in Denver. After Forman’s, the Family went to Rockford, Illinois to manage Perks Ranch. Tommy designed the current facility, laying the groundwork to have a successful program with top bull and heifer sales and many National Champions, establishing Perks as a nationally recognized Hereford Breeder. Sadly, after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer, Sue passed away in December of 1996. Tommy and the kids had to go on alone until he met a single Mom named Kim Johnson. Kim had 3 children, Erin, Shea, and Will. Both families became one in 1998 and created a special bond. All the kids were athletic and loved showing cattle with the Perks children, Wade and Anna. Tommy coached the kids in softball, baseball, basketball and football. They had a kid in high school for 11 years. Tommy and Kim purchased several Red Angus from the Ranch and moved them along with their Herefords and the family to Birmingham, Iowa after Cam Perks passed away. During this time Tommy had the honor of judging several National Shows, including Louisville,
have been a blessing that has sustained him and his family. Tommy plans to retire after the Junior National this July to spend more time at home and visit with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Tommy has spent many hours and days working with producers to help them market their animals. His persistence and dedication have improved the quality and quantity of consignment and production sales across the southeast. His work mentoring of producers and juniors has been greatly appreciated. Thank you for all you have done and enjoy your retirement!
The 5th Annual South Carolina Joint Hereford & Red Angus Sale 14
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