Wow, how much time do you have to get there? Looking at the map the interstates are the most direct and quickest certainly but you want secondary roads. I see 2 out of DC, 301 to Richmond then start heading westerly or pick up 17 to Norfolk. You can continue on 17 to Savannah, take 80 over and then pick up 280 over to Mcrae-Helena then 341 across to Perry.
Otherwise you can do a mix of interstates and secondary roads. I like staying off the interstates also. You just have to have the time to do it.