William A. Perry, Jr., 93, of Front Royal, Virginia passed away on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at his daughter’s home in Edinburg.
A graveside funeral service will be held on Friday, June 8, 2018 at 1PM at Panorama Memorial Gardens with Pastor Darryl George officiating.
Mr. Perry was born on July 5, 1924 in Winchester, Virginia to the late William A. Perry, Sr. and Alice Royston Grim. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Mary Frances Seekford Perry; daughter, Bonnie Perry Shifflett; three sisters, Alma Kerns, Weeze Dentry and Evie Brindle and brother, Burr Grim.
He was a veteran of the US Army and served during WWII. He retired from the Army and continued to work with the Army National Guard and the Virginia National Guard. He was honorably discharged from the Virginia Defense Force in 1999. He also started working at Zuckerman’s in Front Royal in 1950 and was there for many, many years.
Survivors include two sons, William “Billy” A. Perry III and Robert “Bobby” Lampton Perry, Sr. (Carol); two daughters, Shirley Perry Funk (Clarence) and Linda Perry Andrews; brother, Edward Grim (Judy); sister, Liz Fletcher; seven grandchildren, Michelle “Teensie” Funk Heier (Todd), Eugene B. “Benny” Shifflett (Diane), Marjorie Perry Sims (Mike), Robin Perry Smoot (Scott), Robert “Bobby” Lampton Perry, Jr., Rex “Smurf” Andrews, Jr. and Shannon Gatton (Andrew); twelve great grandchildren; a special nephew, Charles “Bacon” Kerns and numerous other nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 7, 2018 from 6-8 PM at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Todd Heier, Travis Heier, Christopher Heier, Rex “Smurf” Andrews, Jr., Bobby Perry, Jr. and Benny Shifflett.
Honorary pallbearers will be Buster Shifflett, Rex Andrews, Sr., Bake Kerns and Clarence Funk.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Army Emergency Relief Society, 2530 Crystal Drive, Suite 13161, Arlington, VA 22202 or to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 West Cork Street, Winchester, Virginia 22601.
So very sorry for your loss. Praying for God to give you all peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Bill Perry Jr. was a great family spokesperson whose devotion to family and friends was always evident. Love, thoughts and prayers to all his children, grandchildren, family and friends who mourn the passing of this great man. We are thankful that Bill was always there for us in our time of need and will treasure his memory ! Love always- Bake, Sis and Mackie and family.
Uncle Bill’s life exemplifies words like Loyalty, Integrity, Love, Acceptance, & Friendship- he impacted each of us. He will forever be in each of our hearts.
Until we meet again,
Love,
Bake & Kristle Kerns
My Uncle was an ear man of few words and a good listener. My fondest memories are of him on a small farm with chickens an old cow named Moonie and always a child sitting on his lap of which he was always touching their ear lobes between his thumb and forefinger. He could fix most anything and one summer he made a go cart for the kids but I think his brothers and sister got a bigger kick out of it than the kids did. I watched an old 8 mm movie over and over years ago with Aunt Liz driving that go cart around the yard with Uncle Bill chasing after her to keep her safe. Bill was a hard worker and came home for supper every night because my aunt Frances was quite a cook. He loved her dearly and Frances was like a sister to my mother Louise, who was also very close to her brother Bill. As a child we made weekend trips to Virginia driving 7 hours to spend a few days with family. It was so many years ago but seems like yesterday now. I loved my Uncle Bill and spent most every summer of my childhood with my Virginia family. I said as a child someday I’m going to have my own farm with cows and horses and chickens just like Aunt Frances and Uncle Bill and kept that long ago memories of his farm in my heart. On June 2nd I went to my granddaughter’s college graduation party, my little 2 yr old great grandson Grayson was asking to dance on my feet to a Disney movie. I found myself touching the lobe of his ear like Uncle Bill did to us. I remembered him then and now today, I can only hope to be an ear woman like he was. You see ear men are hard to find and they are to be treasured. Sending love, prayers and treasured memories to my VA family.
Command Sgt-Maj Perry made a profound effect on both of our lives. He was always on point with whatever the occasion was. We enjoyed many years together in the Va. Defence Force. There was no truer man to God and country and we knew when he spoke that we needed to listen and heed what he said. It was an honor to serve with him and know him. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the entire family and just know that he made a huge impact on all those he met along his journey through life.
Uncle Bill was a real Gentleman, he was an amazing man. Loved by everyone. My mom Louise always spoke of her family fondly and usually started off with a smile knowing uncle Bill’s name was the first one. She loved going home to be with him and her siblings . Now they are together. I was so blessed too have spent time with you uncle Bill. Precious blessed moments. Thank you shirley,Clarence, Linda, teensie for being so gracious. Uncle Bill you are that some kind of special. Thank you for being my Uncle., truly blessed. My heart and prayers to all family and friends. RIP Days will not be the same, memories very cherished. Until we meet again ❤️