William "Willie" Perrell

William (Willie) Perrell, 88, of Woodleaf, NC passed away March 8, 2021 at his home in Woodleaf. Born in Rowan County on August 29, 1932, he was the son of the late Joseph Arthur Perrell and Vetra Ann Sheets Perrell. Willie graduated Woodleaf High School where he was valedictorian of his class and received a Bachelor of Science Degree from N.C. State University. He served his country in the United States Army. Willie retired as Coordinator of Rehabilitative Medicine from the V.A. Hospital in Salisbury in 1987 after 29 years of service. In addition to his work at the VA Hospital, he was also a part time farmer.

Willie was a dedicated member of Unity Presbyterian Church in Woodleaf, serving as an Elder and Sunday School teacher for many years. He was a charter member of the Lyerly Volunteer Joint Services Honor Guard. He was a Lifetime member of the Woodleaf Civitan Club, where he held numerous leadership positions and received an Award for 60 years of dedicated service. Most importantly, Willie loved his family and was always there to cheer them on and support their many endeavors whether they were playing sports, acting in a play or just playing in his backyard. As hard as he worked he also loved to play. Many years of enjoyment were spent on Lake Norman where he taught lots of young people how to waterski. He built playhouses, planted trees and went on bike rides with his grandchildren. At 80 years old he tried his hand at zip lining in the mountains where he and his family spent lots of family time together.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents and sister Carol Perrell Hartley. Left to cherish his memory is his Wife, Barbara Kepley Perrell whom he married December 21, 1952, Son; Roger Perrell of Woodleaf, Daughters; Karen Campbell (Steven) of Salisbury, Kathi Albea (Derek) of Woodleaf; Sisters, Sara Owen of Statesville and Gloria Correll (Sam) of Cleveland; Brother Larry Perrell (Mildred) of Woodleaf; Grandchildren, Philip Hodge, Dustin Perrell, Mallory Hodge Whitley, Timothy Campbell and Austin Perrell, and 9 great-grandchildren.

Service: A private family service will be held at Unity Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Sybil Perrell officiating. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Unity Presbyterian Church, Post Office Box 28, Woodleaf, NC 27054. Condolences may be sent to the home at 275 Perrell Road, Woodleaf, NC 27054.

Lyerly Funeral Home is serving the Perrell family. Online condolences may be made at www.lyerlyfuneralhome.com.

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