Billy Neal Perry Jr.
Wake Forest
Billy Neal Perry Jr., 54, was peacefully ushered into the presence of His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, November 19, 2014, while surrounded by his beloved family.
Neal was born on February 18, 1960, in Wake County to Mr. and Mrs. Billy Neal Perry Sr. He was a 1979 graduate of Wake Forest-Rolesville High School and a 1980 graduate of Wake Tech.
He began his career with the City of Raleigh Fire Department in 1981 and retired as a Lieutenant in 2011. Neal was a man of many interests and talents and will be long remembered for his humility, joyfulness, and his love for his family and friends. He was a true southern gentleman with the ability to find humor in most any situation.
Funeral services were held at 11 o’clock Saturday morning, November 22, 2014, at Wake Cross Roads Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Bill Bowyer, the Rev. Bryan Brown, the Rev. Wesley Bailey, and Captain Wayland Holden officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Neal is survived by his wife of 29 years, Cheryl Heath Perry; daughter, Ashton Ellen Perry of the home; his parents, Billy Neal and Mildred of Wendell; brother, Lee Perry and his wife, Paula, and their children, Charlie and Kaylee, of Raleigh; his grandmother, Mamie Blackley of Wake Forest; parents-in-law, Charles and Geraldine Heath of Wake Forest; brother-in-law, Darrell Heath of Youngsville; niece, Meagan Leonard of Youngsville; and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Eula and Exum Perry, and by his maternal grandfather, Charlie Blackley.
Neal was a member of Wake Cross Roads Baptist Church. During his three-year battle with cancer, he continued to be a testimony of God’s grace and faithfulness. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wake Cross Roads Baptist Church Debt Retirement Fund, 3329 Forestville Road, Raleigh, NC 27616.
Pallbearers were Paul Averette, Larry Choplin, Jeff Gupton, E.L. Lee Jr., Kenneth Lee Perry Jr., and Alvin Watkins. Honorary pallbearers were Bobby Anderson, Darrell Heath, Ryan Martin, Rodney Maye, Amada Morris, Loren Watkins, and firefighters from Raleigh Fire Department Station 28.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.brightfunerals.com.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center.
