William M.D.

William L. Perry, M.D.
Chesterfield Physician
Chesterfield, SC

William Louis Perry, M.D., died peacefully at his home in Chesterfield on May 6, 2012, under the loving care of Nora Smith.
Dr. William, as he was fondly known, was predeceased by Ruth Kirven Perry, his beloved wife of sixty-nine years in September, 2009. Born on January 4, 1912, in Chesterfield, Dr. Perry was the oldest child of Dr. William Joel Perry and Essie Buchanan Perry. He was predeceased by his brothers, Dr. Jeremiah Buchanan Perry of Chesterfield and Dr. Percival Perry of Winston Salem, North Carolina.

Dr. William was the father of four children: William Kirven Perry of Lumberton, NC; Arden Perry Fields of Clemson, SC; and Ruth Perry Higson of Conway, SC. He was predeceased by his second son, Joel Wilson Perry. His family also includes his six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren: English Perry Griggs and her sons, Camden Mitchell Griggs and Collin McCullough Griggs; William Marion Perry and his son, William Landon Perry; Arden McCullough Fields and Perry Louis Fields; Michelle Lane Higson and Casey McKoy Higson; special cousin, Mary Jean Lineberger of Mooresville, NC; sister-in-law, Helen King Perry of Chesterfield, SC

Dr. Perry was a 1934 graduate of Wake Forest College, receiving a B.S. degree. He graduated from Wake Forest School of Medicine in 1936. Dr. Perry received a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Medical College of South Carolina in 1938. Following an internship and residency at McLeod's Infirmary in Florence he joined his father's practice in Chesterfield and they practiced together until 1944. After his father retired, Dr. William continued to practice alone until he was joined by his brother, Dr. Jerry Perry. The Perry clinic was established at its present location in 1954. For 48 years Dr. William practiced medicine and dedicated himself with a true caring spirit for others as he provided health care needs for the people of Chesterfield County.

Dr. William was committed to helping those who truly needed help, making house calls and delivering babies in homes for many years. He took an active role in the civic, religious, educational, and social life of his town and county. He was graced with a kindly, compassionate, and patient bedside manner and was loved and respected by all who knew him.

A dedicated member of the Chesterfield Baptist Church for his entire life, Dr. William was ordained as a deacon and he served as Chairman of the Board of Deacons numerous times.

Dr. William was an active leader in the Chesterfield community. He was Chairman of the Building Committee of the present Chesterfield County Courthouse. He was a Mason and a Shriner. He served as a scout leader in the Boy Scouts of America and provided care to campers. He received the Silver Beaver Award.

Throughout his life he was a strong supporter of education. He served on the School District of Chesterfield County Board of Education for 16 years and Chairman for the final 8 years.

Dr. Perry remained a devoted supporter of Wake Forest University academics and the Medical University of South Carolina. He served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Wingate University and received their 1998 Distinguished Alumnus Award.

He served the people of South Carolina as a member of the Board of the South Carolina Medical Association and later as President of the South Carolina Medical Association from 1969 to 1970.

A Celebration of Life Service for Dr. William Louis Perry will be 2:00 P.M. Saturday, May 12, 2012 at Chesterfield Baptist Church.

Visitation will be immediately following the service in the Church Fellowship Hall

A Viewing for Friends will be Friday, May 11, 2012 from 2:00 - 4:00 P.M. at Miller-Rivers- Caulder Funeral Home.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Chesterfield Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 388 Chesterfield SC 29709. The Chesterfield Cemetery has been in existence since 1855. It has never been affiliated with the town nor any of the churches in Chesterfield. The perpetual care of the cemetery has always been dependent on individual donor funds. Dr. William has been the largest local donor for the past nine years from 2003-2012 as its upkeep has always been a concern of his.

Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home of Chesterfield, SC
(www.mrcfuneralhome.com) is serving the Perry Family.

A Celebration of Life Service for Dr. William Louis Perry will be 2:00 P.M. Saturday, May 12, 2012 at Chesterfield Baptist Church.

Visitation will be immediately following the service in the Church Fellowship Hall

A Viewing for Friends will be Friday, May 11, 2012 from 2:00 - 4:00 P.M. at Miller-Rivers- Caulder Funeral Home.