William “Bill” Perry, 94, of Calvert City, Kentucky, passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Baptist Health Hospital in Paducah, Kentucky.
Bill was born to the late Joe Perry and Nonnie Story Perry on July 30, 1930, in Marshall County, Kentucky. Bill graduated from Sharpe High School in 1950, where he left behind a lasting legacy on the basketball court. His team's achievement of being recognized as one of the top teams in the State remained a proud memory throughout his entire life. After high school, Bill honorably served his country in the United States Army before returning home and marrying the love of his life, Donna Marshall Perry, on July 3, 1954. He went on to work as a chemical operator at Ashland, formerly GAF, where he worked for over thirty years until his retirement.
Bill was a jack of all trades who could fix just about anything. His hands were never at rest, as he was a gifted craftsman who enjoyed woodworking and building houses in his spare time. As a devoted father, Bill shared his love of sports with his two children, Tracy and Mitchell, coaching them from a young age and instilling in them the values of teamwork and perseverance. His grandson, Ryan, who always referred to him as “Poppy Bill”, also inherited the family's passion for sports. Bill enjoyed traveling to many of his games and could always be found on the sidelines, proudly supporting and cheering him on. He was an avid fan of UK basketball and the St. Louis Cardinals, whose enthusiasm for sports was equally matched by his love for golf. He was a long-time member and one of the earlier members of the Calvert City Country Club, where he enjoyed many rounds of golf with his friends and family. Bill and Donna shared a love of traveling that took them on countless adventures around the world, often accompanied by their dear friends, Gordon and Juanita Hargrove. He was a long-time member of Bethel Baptist Church, whose faith was an integral part of his life.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Donna Marshall Perry; one daughter, Tracy Perry of Louisville, Kentucky; one son, Mitchell Perry (Donna) of Louisville, Kentucky; one grandson, Ryan Perry (Candace Quill) of Los Angelas, California; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his two sisters, Evelyn Ford and Louise Lofton; two brothers, Donald Perry and John D. Perry; one infant brother; and his parents, Joe Perry and Nonnie Story Perry.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Bethel Cemetery, ℅ Bethel Baptist Church, 2603 Tatumsville HWY, Gilbertsville, KY 42044.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann, 1003 Poplar Street, Benton, Kentucky 42025.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann. Bro. Duane Holland will officiate, and burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit Bill’s Tribute Wall.
