Billy Joe Perry, 96, Nevada, Missouri passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025, at the Bungalows in Nevada. Born on October 15, 1928, in Horton, Missouri, Bill was the son of Joseph and Marie (Grove) Perry. He attended Horton Grade School and graduated from College High School in Pittsburg, Kansas. He completed one year of higher education at Pitt State University.
In 1950, he married Mildred Marie Johnson. They shared a joyful marriage lasting 68 years, during which they enjoyed watching their children’s and grandchildren’s sports together, engaging in numerous home and landscaping projects, square dancing, and traveling, particularly to Branson, Missouri.
Drafted into the army in 1952, Bill served for two years in the Korean War as part of the communications unit. Upon his return, he worked at Karbes Grocery Store before cofounding Bills’ Paint and Wallpaper in 1960 with his brother-in-law Bill Johnson. He later embarked on a career with the U.S. Postal Service in 1965 as a postal clerk, retiring in 1991. Additionally, he was recognized for his skills as a sign painter and picture framer.
Bill had a profound passion for baseball from a young age, playing with the Nevada Red Sox until their disbandment and continuing with softball from 1949 until the rise of slow pitch. A dedicated St. Louis Cardinals fan, he remained actively involved in sports throughout his life.
Known for his supportive, easy-going, and fun-loving nature, Bill deeply cherished his family and grandchildren. His home was always welcoming, offering an array of movies, candy, sodas, and ice cream. He was a devoted father and husband, remembered for his kindness and love. To know him, was to love him. He was a friend to all.
Survivors include his children, Michael Wayne Perry (MaryEllen), Ft. Collins, CO, and David Allen Perry (Shannon), El Dorado Springs, MO; grandchildren, Joshua Perry (Melissa), Lenexa, KS, Raechel (Perry) Laughlin (Christopher), Springfield, MO, Caleb Perry (Kristin), Pleasant Hope, MO, Michael Perry, Jr., Denver, CO, and Samantha Perry, Monument, CO; great-grandchildren, Parker and Ellie Laughlin, and Jensyn and Ledger Perry; as well as nieces, nephews, and many cousins.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Marie (Grove) Perry; his wife, Mildred; his sister, Shirley Zehr; and a brother-in-law, Lee Zehr.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Pastor Bob Beaver officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Newton Burial Park in Nevada. The family will receive friends from 1-2:00 p.m. on Wednesday prior to the service at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested in his memory to the Bungalows of Nevada Activity Fund c/o Ferry Funeral Home.
