Deacon Willie J. Perry Jr.

Deacon Willie J. Perry, Jr. was born on October 6, 1955, to the late Apostle Willie J. Perry, Sr. and Catherine Perry in Jacksonville, Florida. The Perry family relocated to Brooklyn, NY where they attended the United House of Prayer for All People in Hollis, Queens and later were members of Brooklyn #2 where he was a faithful member of The Sounds of McCollough Shout Band.
He later changed his membership to New York Mother House where he answered the call to join The McCollough Sons of Thunder Shout Band, also known as The Thunderbirds. Deacon Perry played tenor trombone with the band for over 23 years. He was known as one of the greatest tenor players in the organization. During his tenure on the Thunderbirds, he served as Sergeant-at-Arms and later in the role of President. Deacon Perry was privileged to travel across the country with his band and participated in many gospel events. He was most proud of being able to perform at the famed Carnegie Hall in New York City and marching in the Ticker Tape parade honoring anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela's visit to New York City in June of 1990.
He relocated his family to Irvington, NJ where he attended the House of Prayer in Newark and was ordained a Deacon. He also served as House Spokesperson and was Newark's dedicated Treasurer for over 20 years. Deacon Perry was famously known for "Uncle Billy's Snack Stand" where his hot dogs, half-smokes and chopped BBQ were huge hits amongst church members; most would place their orders with him before even walking into the sanctuary.
Deacon Perry married his loving wife of 45 years, Patricia, on July 12, 1980. With this union, not only did she gain a husband, but a beautiful daughter, Charae. The family grew and was blessed with Willie III and Christina. Throughout their childhood "Billy" was very involved in their activities and joined the coaching staff of the P.A.L. football team, The Golden Knights of Irvington, NJ. After Sunday games, The Knights would gather in Coach Perry's backyard and enjoy hot dogs and drinks, reminiscing about the day's game. The team would often be in the basement playing a game of pool, being loud and chasing away Christina's cheerleader friends that would trickle downstairs. The entire neighborhood remained very fond of Billy and looked forward to his funny antics and shenanigans.
During the late 1970s, Billy was employed at Rain Cheetah in New Yorks's Garment District. Shortly after moving to New Jersey, he began working at Edison Park Fast as General Manager. He made fast friends of co-workers Ted and Haji, who always enjoyed working alongside "Willie".
"Uncle Billy" was a true comedian, in the greatest sense of the word, who kept his family, friends and church members laughing. His nieces and nephews were especially fond of the hilarious tales of his childhood where he was either getting into, or desperately trying to get out of, trouble. Billy truly enjoyed the company of others because that meant it was "his time to shine" and the world was his stage.
Deacon Perry was preceded in death by his grandparents, Apostle James and Catherine Perry; father, Apostle Willie J. Perry, Sr.; sister, Colette Perry; and grandsons, Donte Sanders and Logan White.
Warmest thoughts and fond memories will be shared by his loving wife, Patricia J. Perry; children, Charae Perry (Shawn), Willie Perry III (Tamikah) and Christina Perry; mother, Catherine Perry; brothers, Emerson, Wayne Sr. (Marcella), Apostle Todd Perry, Sr. (Shirley); sisters, Thelma Holt (Robert, Jr.) and Chailendra Williams; grandchildren, Jailen, DaiShawn, Skyla, Jordan, Landen, Mia, and Morgan; great-grandson, Kay'Sen; special cousin, Samantha Richardson (Timmy); god-sister, Shoni Griffin; god-daughters, Denise Christian, Erica Harper (Charles) and Tierra Bryant (Donovan); god-son, Elder A. Pinkney, Jr; special loved ones: aunt, "Toni" Sanders (Gerald), Joe Moore (Lisa), LaVern Cole (David), "Candy" Samuels and their mother, Oradell Moore and Yaquis Jones (Ivy); along with a host of nieces and nephews, family and friends who will forever carry him in their hearts.
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