Wilford Owen “Will” Perry, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on October 3, 2026, after a life filled with family, hard work, learning, service, faith, and appreciation for the people and places that shaped him.
Will was born on December 9, 1936, in Wilsondale, West Virginia, to Stella and Owen Perry. He was proud of his humble West Virginia roots and carried those values throughout his life.
A devout Christian, Will was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Clearwater, Florida, and knew Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He often shared how God had directed his journey and guided his decisions throughout his life.
Will was also a natural storyteller who could make a long story even longer. His remarkable memory and love of storytelling brought joy to his family and friends.
Will graduated from Wayne County High School in Wayne, West Virginia, in 1954. He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, in 1958. In the early 1960s, he served in the Coast Guard as part of the Public Health Service. Continuing his education, he earned a master’s degree in chemistry from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, in 1970.
He enjoyed a long and fulfilling career as a chemist and manager. He spent his final 20 years with Honeywell in Largo, Florida, retiring as manager of Materials and Process Engineering in 1999.
On February 14, 1965, Will married the love of his life, Dawn Katie Mathis, at First Presbyterian Church in Chillicothe, Ohio. Together, they shared more than six decades of marriage and built a loving family.
Will was a devoted father to Laura Gilbert (Tym); Alyson Harlan (Rod); and Elizabeth “Betsy” Currence (George). He was blessed with seven grandchildren: Sara and Zachary (Katherine) Gilbert; Madeleine, Nathan (Natalie), and Gabriel (Nicole) Jarvis; and Katherine and Abigail Currence. His great-granddaughter, Amory Jarvis, Madeleine’s daughter, brought him additional joy.
Will is survived by his beloved wife, Katie; his daughters and their families; his grandchildren and great-granddaughter; his youngest brother, E. Dale Perry (Patty); and many extended family members, nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Stella and Owen Perry; his siblings, Alva Perry, Youngea Bennett “Y.B.” Perry, Edna Perry Sammons, and Lula “Lulu” Perry; and their spouses.
Will will be remembered for his curiosity, determination, faith, devotion to family, and the stories he shared. Though deeply missed, his legacy will live on through the family he loved and the faith that guided him throughout his life.
