Ralph T. Perry

Ralph T. Perry, age 82 years, a resident of Goreville, and a former resident of Saline County, passed away Tuesday morning, Sept.25, 2001, at 3:45am at the memorial Hospital in Carbondale.

He was born Feb11, 1919 in the Happy Hollow community, near Goreville. He was the son of Earl and Stella (THOMAS) Perry.

Ralph was formerly united in married to Genell (HENDERSON). He was later united in marriage to Bonnie (PENDERGRAFT) on Dec. 14, 1956 in Corinth, Mississippi. She survives.

Other survivors include three sons, Tex Perry, and his wife Mazie of Goreville, Max Perry and his wife Cheryl of Johnson City, Wex Perry, of Missouri; One daughter, Judy Webb, and her husband Mike of Raleigh; 25 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; three sisters, Hazel Craig, and her husband Omer of Goreville, Bonnie Tinsley, and her husband Bill of Bixby, Okla., Shirley Hollis, and her husband Lewis of Goreville; three brothers, Clarence Perry, and his wife Shirley of Goreville, Bob Perry, and his wife Melba of Elgin, Bill Perry, and his wife Ruth of Chicago; several nieces, nephews and many dear cousins.

In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by one son, Rex Perry and three grandsons.

Ralph has worked as an operating engineer in the construction industry. He retired in 1973 from the Illinois State Department of Corrections St. Charles Youth Facility.

Ralph was a U. S. Army veteran, having served in the European Theater of Operation in World War II. He was a Life-Time member of the Heyde-Pillow VFW Post No. 1301 in Marion. Ralph was also a disabled veteran.

Ralph was of the Protestant  faith. He was a member of the Raleigh Masonic Lodge No. 128 AF & AM. He was a 32nd Degree Mason.

Ralph owned and raised thoroughbred race horses.

Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon, Sept.27, 2001, at 2pm at the Busby Chapel Church, south of Goreville, Rev. Bill Tinsley officiated. Burial was in the Busby Chapel Cemetery. Military graveside rites was accorded by the Heyde-Pillow VFW Post No. 1301.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the charity of the donor's choice.

Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna, Ill. was in charge of the arrangements.