Billy Perri

PRICE- It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Billy Duane “Willard the Rat” Perri on July 6, 2017 at his home in Price, Utah. Billy was born on January 28, 1948 in Kenilworth, Utah to Bill and Dolly Skriner Perri. He lived most of his youth in Spring Glen, Utah and graduated from Carbon High School in 1966. After high school, he attended Utah Trade School and received an Associate’s Degree in Automobile Mechanics. He married Cathy ­­­­­­­Orlandi and later divorced. He met his soul mate, Kerry Seely in 1979 and later married in 1991 in Las Vegas, Nevada. This started a lifetime journey of adventures that were filled with travel and unforgettable experiences. These escapades were jam-packed with laughter, danger, delight and always the unexpected.
Billy was drafted into the Army in 1968 honorably serving his country as a Door Gunner in the 129th Helicopter Assault Company. He was deployed to Vietnam for 11 months. He tragically lost his good friend, Larry Jackson (Pop-a-Top) and was consumed, as well as passionate, about honoring and protecting all of his military brothers. This heartbreaking experience shaped his life for years to come. His family and friends are truly proud and thankful for his military service and sacrifice.
Billy was an avid worker and applied his love for mechanics throughout his employment history. He started working at Chevy and Ford Dealerships and later moved on to become a Technical Service Rep for Long Airdox. After leaving Long Airdox Billy opened On-Off Road Specialists with Steve May. In 1985 he moved to Lake Powell, UT where he began a long career as Service and Sales Manager for The Yacht Club and Offshore Marina. In 2001 he moved back to Price and finished his career as a Service and Sales Manager for BJ Motors and Tony Basso RV and ATV.
Billy enjoyed life! He loved racing, hunting, boating, and anything to do with the outdoors. He built and raced his first sand rail with the help of his father, “Daddy Rat” Bill and spent many summers racing on the sand dunes of Utah. He was an exceptional host and entertainer, always putting his company first. He loved having friends and relatives enjoy his cooking and bartending skills in his wonderful “Taki Hut”. He was passionate about politics and an avid supporter of President Trump.
He is survived by his soul-mate, Kerry Seely Perri; his children Alicia (Billy) Kelley, Jalynn Snider; he was “Papa” to his grandchildren Cassie (Jesse) Sandgren, Drake Sandgren, Andie (Zach) Green, McKenzie (Aaron) Kelley, DJ (Jassmine) Snider, BreAnna Snider, and his beloved little “Bex-Turd” Bexley Snider-Riche. He leaves behind many grieving aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends across the states. He is preceded in death by his father, Bill Perri and his mother, Dolly Perri.
“It’s Five O”Clock Somewhere” was one of Billy’s favorite sayings and so it’s appropriate that his visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at Mitchell Funeral Home in Price, Utah from 5:00-6:00 p.m. with a funeral service beginning at 6:00 p.m. A Celebration of life will also be held on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. in the Mt. View Cemetery in Helper. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.
Kerry and her family would like to thank all of the people who helped and supported Billy during this crucial time in his life. A special thank you goes out to his caregivers “Hot Lips” Melissa, Deborah, Shauna, Rick, and Dr. Cam Williams. Their efforts and care for Billy were truly inspiring.