Statesboro, Bulloch County and surrounding communities are mourning the loss of Reverend/Doctor H. William "Bill" Perry.
Bulloch Coroner Jake Futch confirmed that Dr. Perry died early Thursday morning, October 21, 2021, at East Georgia Regional Medical Center in Statesboro. He had been hospitalized for a few weeks with heart complications.
Few people have made a larger impact on so many in Statesboro, and throughout the world, than Bill Perry.
I once asked him how many funerals he had preached and he replied, "Too Many." I then asked how many people he had baptised and he replied, "Not enough."
It was his quick wit that endured him to so many along with his steadfast faith and the living example he provided to all of us of how to live daily for Christ and others.
Always delivered with his signature smile, courteous mannerisms and deep interest in learning more about whomever was fortunate enough to be speaking with him at the moment, are the things I admired and cherished most about him.
Of course, you can't write about Dr. Perry without mentioning his wife Margaret and the most remarkable love affair the two of them shared. They complimented each other in every way.
Always Serving
Even though Dr. Perry "retired" over 17 years ago, he never stopped preaching, witnessing or growing the kingdom for Christ. Equally, he served his community in remarkable ways. Always answering the call to lend a kind, receptive ear in our greatest times of need. He was a dedicated member of the Statesboro Rotary Club for decades. He also wrote a popular column for the Statesboro Magazine.
It is hard to imaging how many lives he has touched, and how many baptisms, dedications, weddings and funerals he has officiated. One thing is for sure, those of us that had the pleasure of knowing him, and having him with us in some of life's greatest and most challenging moments, will never forget the impact he made on each of us.
He baptized me, married Lori and I and dedicated our daughter Edie Grace. We worked closely together at First Baptist Church and in the community.
Together, Bill and I established an annual "cablethon" that raised tens of thousands of dollars for heart healthy education and research.
Any opportunity to work with or spend time with Dr. Perry is time that we all cherished.
Lori, Edie Grace and I, along with the Grice Connect team, send our condolences and prayers to Margaret, Laura, Gayla and the entire Perry family.
Joiner Anderson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Dr. H. William "Bill" Perry Obituary
Dr. H. William “Bill” Perry, a beloved pastor and long-time resident of Statesboro, entered into eternal rest on October 21, 2021 at the age of 80.
Bill is survived by his wife, Margaret, of Statesboro, Georgia; his two daughters, Laura (Darrell) Myers of Grafton, Ohio; Gayla (John) Bennett of Gainesville, Georgia, and his three sisters, Janet Stainer of Tallahassee, Florida, Karen Capps of Raleigh, NC, and Sue (Don) Hunter of Live Oak, Florida. Bill was the proud grandfather of six grandchildren and two grand daughters-in-law: JD, Jamie, and Julianne Myers; and Drew (Olivia), Grant (Catelyn), and Jacob Whaley. He was an uncle to many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father Harvey, his mother Kathryn, his son Jon Bill, and his son-in-law Ken Whaley.
Bill was born on February 7, 1941 in Live Oak, Florida. He graduated from Stetson University with a degree in Religion and received his Doctorate in Ministry from Southern Seminary in 1976. He married the love of his life Margaret on June 26, 1964, and they later welcomed their three beautiful children into the world.
Bill was an active member of the Statesboro community. Known by many for his charming sense of humor, he frequently shared jokes with close friends and would often post them to Facebook. Bill was an active member of the Rotary Club of Statesboro for many years, winning the Citizen of the Year Award in 2005. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Ogeechee Area Hospice.
Bill was a faithful servant of Jesus Christ and a devoted pastor. Over his 54 years of ministry, he pastored Powells Chapel Baptist Church; First Baptist Pelham, GA; First Baptist Hawkinsville, GA; First Baptist Statesboro, as well as serving as Interim Pastor at a number of churches following his retirement in 2004. He was currently serving at First Baptist Twin City.
The family is thankful for the loving support of the community at this time.
The family will receive visitors on Sunday, October 24, 2021, from 4:00pm until 6:00pm in the chapel of Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home in Statesboro.
Funeral services will be Monday October 25, 2021, at 11:00am at First Baptist Church Statesboro with Rev. Drew Whaley, Rev. Darrell Myers and Dr. John Waters officiating.
Dr. Perry will lie-in-state in the church sanctuary one hour prior to the service.
Interment will be in Eastside Cemetery in Statesboro.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons and sons-in-law.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Statesboro First Baptist Church Nursing Ministry, 108 North Main Street, Statesboro, Ga. 30458.
Friends may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com.
Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory of Statesboro is in charge of the arrangements.
