DECATUR - Billy J. Perry, 65, of Decatur, passed away at 8:08 a.m. Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at his residence. A graveside service will be 2 p.m. Monday, October 5, 2009 at Graceland Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard. The family will gather following the service at the DAV, to celebrate Bill's "normal, natural, wonderful self" with friends. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Mary's Hospital COPD Project, 1800 E. Lakeshore Dr. Decatur, IL 62521. Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com. Bill was born March 10, 1944 in Vandalia, the son of Logan and Bonita (Frakes) Perry. He served an apprenticeship at Wagner Casting Company before becoming an electrician at Bridgestone/ Firestone, retiring after more than thirty years of service. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. He leaves behind his son Scott Perry and wife Rita of Mt. Zion, grandchildren; Megan and Mason of Mt. Zion, brother; Gene Perry of Decatur, sister; Shirley (Loice) Kirkwood of Corpus Christi, Texas, stepbrother; Claude Rambo Jr. of Decatur, and special friends; Madonna "Candy" Downey and Glenda Sinnard both of Decatur. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and one sister. Bill was a dedicated father, grandfather, and friend. He enjoyed traveling, spending time on any body of water, fishing, and following the Illini football and basketball, NASCAR, and the Chicago Cubs and Bears. He was a member of the Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge, and the Izaak Walton League of America in Decatur. His love, knowledge, and sense of fun will be greatly missed. Obituary written by family members.


Published in Decatur Herald & Review from October 3 to October 9, 2009