Willis Arthur Perry, 78, of Warren, passed away Feb. 6 at the Maine Veterans Home in Augusta after an extended illness. Willis was born on Sept. 27, 1932 in Warren, son of Benjamin and Bertha Moody Perry. He attended schools in Warren, served in the Korean War, was a dairy farmer and raised chickens. He worked with his brother-in-law Henry Conary doing excavation until Henry’s retirement. In September 1990, he married Janet Kinney Dyer and in 1991 his dream came true when he started his own excavation business.
Willis enjoyed his family and was happiest when he was operating his large “toys” and working with his grandson Mathew teaching him the business. He also enjoyed teaching and spending time with his grandsons, Brandon and Logan. He was always there for his family with a helping hand and just being a “Gramps” or “Bumpa” as some called him.
Willis was predeceased by his parents, Benjamin and Bertha Perry; brothers, Ralph and Ernest Perry; brothers-in-law, Philip Fernald and Francis Jones; and first wife, Marion Perry.
He is survived by his wife, Janet Perry of Warren; daughter, Kelly Leland and husband John of Warren; step-daughters, Elizabeth Dyer of Warren and Lori Dinsmore and husband Melvaney Jr. of Warren; grandsons, Brandon Simmons and fiancée Kristy Moran of Warren, Logan Simmons of Warren and Joseph Benner of Warren; step-grandsons, Mathew Dyer and fiancée Sarah Beaucage of Warren, Adam Knowlton and Trevor Knowlton of Warren; great-granddaughter, Lillian Simmons of Warren; brothers, James Perry and wife Carol of Waldoboro, Richard Perry and wife Betty of Tipton, Ind. and John Perry and wife Quitta of Lubbock, Tex.; sisters, Barbara Bowman of Waldoboro, Lucille Conary and husband Henry of Warren, Lorraine Jones of Cushing and Mary Orne and husband Ralph of Alamogordo, N.M.; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial service to celebrate Willis’ life, 11 a.m., Sat., Feb. 12 at the Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St., Waldoboro. Rev. Robin Honaker will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Maine Veterans Home, 310 Cony Rd., Augusta, ME 04330.
You are invited to share your condolences, memories and photos with the Perry family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Waldoboro.
