Obituary of James William Perry

James William “Billy” Perry passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 30, 2025. 

Services: Visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. with a Funeral Service at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at Thompson's Harveson & Cole Funeral Home, 4350 River Oaks Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76114. 

Interment: Carlisle Cemetery, Trinity, Texas.  

Born the fourth of eight children in the rolling hills of Hodge, Louisiana to Leo and Cora Perry, the family soon left their home-state for Texas, where Billy grew up cultivating his humor, open heart, and deep devotion to his faith. 

A proud U.S. Marine, Billy carried the values of service and integrity into every chapter of his life; known for his laughter and generosity, Billy was deeply loved by all who knew him. His soft-spoken kindness and deep spiritual life helped many he knew through their hard times. 

In January 1960, he married his lifelong partner, Etta Macon, with whom he shared 60 years in a bond of mutual respect, love, and a commitment to uplifting others. Each cherished family and dear friends above all, though their kindness extended to all in need, as he and Etta opened their home countless times as a haven of laughter, wisdom, and music to all who needed it. 

Billy’s life was proof of his ideals and Christian principles. A man of unshakable faith, he embodied his beliefs through action - by he and Etta offering a meal to a struggling neighbor, or the humble wit of his jokes to lift a worn spirit - giving strength freely without expectation or hesitation. 

Billy Perry will be remembered by his inspirational preaching, the communities he helped, and the family he raised. 

Billy was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Etta; parents, Leo and Cora Perry; and sisters Martha Tanner, Leota Varner, Alma Eddings, and Sandra Bollier. He is survived by his brothers, Michael, Samuel, and Charles Perry; daughters Melody DeVore and Harmony Kmosko; grandson; son-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and community members who carry his legacy of compassion with them in memory.