Phillip Neale Perry

Denver - Phillip Neale Perry, beloved father, grandfather, veteran, and advocate, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2025. He was born in Villa Grove, Illinois, on November 3, 1929, to Franklin O. Perry and Lelia E. Froman.

Phil served his country as a sergeant in Korea from 1951 to 1953. He married Billye Jane Deaton in 1954. Their partnership spanned 64 years, until her passing in 2018.

After receiving a degree in architecture from the University of Illinois, Phil designed facilities for Caterpillar Tractor Company in Illinois and later for two hospitals in Florida.

Phil championed the rights of children with special needs as a school board member and offered steady guidance as a church elder and board member.

He is preceded in death by his siblings Loren Perry, Doris Decker, Wayne Perry, and Lois Helm; his wife Billye; and his daughter Janet (Jan) Little. Phil leaves behind his children Carolyn Perry, Laura (William) Lee, and Andrew Perry; five grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on July 21, 2025, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home, 1402 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, Tennessee. Funeral services will follow from 2:00-3:00 p.m., with interment immediately afterward at Grandview Cemetery, 2304 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Special Olympics (https://www.specialolympics.org/) or Sertoma (https://www.sertoma.com/)), an organization that supports individuals like Phil's son Andy. Condolences may be shared through Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com