William Russell Perry

November 26, 1923 – August 31, 2016

Bill Perry passed peacefully in his home on August 31, 2016 at the age of 92.

A Manteca native and World War II veteran, Mr. Perry worked for 41 years at Pacific Telephone as a manager. Mr. Perry loved cars, traveling, and anything to do with the outdoors, especially camping, fishing, and gardening. His artful gardens enhanced each of his homes. At the age of 86, he went on a cross-country road trip from California to Florida visiting family on the way.

Bill expressed himself through art. He illustrated the Manteca High School Buffalos yearbook, and He wooed Mom for three years during WWII through drawings and cartoons. A mural at the Manteca Library memorializes a softball park that he built with his dad William Perry Sr. After retirement Bill painted large landscapes of favorite places

Bill is survived by his daughter Linda Perry of Rolling Hills Estates, His brother Donald Scott Perry and his wife Ginny of Lodi, California, grandsons David Arnold of Boston and Matthew Magaro and his wife Kimberly of New Orleans, granddaughters Melissa Magaro and her husband Noah Watson of Corpus Christi, Margret Arnold and her husband Mike Suggett of Rolling Hills Estates and Barbra Arnold Murray and her husband Brian Murray of Santa Monica and 3 great granddaughters.

Bill was preceded in death by his loving wife of 57 years, Mary, in 2003, his sister Betty Jean Williams, his parents William and Clara Rowena Perry, and his daughter Marsha Carole Perry.

Bill was active in the church in every place he lived, teaching Sunday school, leading home bible studies, organizing day trips, and creating flyers and posters.

Bill and Mary retired to Covenant Village in the 1990s, where he made friends with his special sense of humor, and a “Bill’s Report” email he would send every Friday.

In recent years while at the village, he was blessed with a good friend, Nancy Cassidy. Bill enjoyed her family, and his family loves her.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 17 at 2:30 PM in Berg Hall at Covenant Village, 2125 N Olive Ave, Turlock.

Remembrances can be made to the Benevolent Care Fund at Covenant Village, or to the Salvation Army.

Arrangements under the direction of Whitehurst-Norton-Dias Funeral Service (FD504), Turlock, CA.