William J. Petry,

PETRY William J. Petry, Sr., passed away Sept. 26 at home after a lengthy battle with cancer. Mr. Petry was born in Quincy, Illinois on October 12, 1925. He served with the Navy in WW II as a sonarman on a minesweeper. He then attended St. Louis University and graduated with degrees in chemistry and bacteriology. Mr. Petry retired from Anheuser-Busch after 30 years. He was active in community theatre and sang with many organizations. He was a member of the German-American Club and served as chaplain.Survivors include his loving wife of 58 years, Joanne; children, Bill, Jr. (Cynthia) Petry, Mary (Rob) McMillian, John (Karen) Petry, Lisa Petry, Jo Anne Petry, Joseph Petry and Christina Petry; grandchildren, Joni & Michael Petry and Mark McMillian. A memorial mass will be celebrated at Resurrection Catholic Church, 3383 University Blvd. N., on Thursday, October 01, 2009 at 11:00 AM. Burial will be in the Jacksonville National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Resurrection Catholic Church Building fund or Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Rd.