Eugene Denny "Sonny" Perry
July 23, 1929 ~ January 13, 2024
Eugene Denny “Sonny” Perry, 94, lifelong Mooresville resident, passed away peacefully at home on January 13, 2024. Sonny was born at home in Madison Township, Morgan County, on July 23, 1929, to the late Samuel Denny and Jessie Melissa (McQueen) Perry. He married the love of his life, Barbara Jean (McCoy) Perry, on October 20, 1951, and she preceded him in death on January 24, 2022.
Sonny grew up with six siblings in the depression era, graduated from Mooresville High School in 1947, and proudly served in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in 1949. Armed with an incredibly strong work ethic, an entrepreneurial spirit like no other, and a very wise and intelligent mind, Sonny founded Perry Acoustics in 1962, Perry Manufacturing in 1965, Sunco Construction in 1982, Sonny Scaffolding in 1985, Lock Box in 1994, KDH in 1994, Shae Co. in 2001, and TopLock in 2007. He held 4 United States patents that were all instrumental in various forms of efficiency and success for the businesses. Along the way, Sonny was always looking for the next person, employee, or associate to help boost up and achieve success also. He was a master woodworker and could build, envision, and create anything he put his mind to. Not one to sit still, he continued to work well into his 90s and had not “officially” retired. Sunco Construction celebrated 40 years last year, and he was proud to see his family continue the strong growth of the family business.
Sonny was a strong Christian man who always led with his faith. He was a longtime member of Mt. Gilead Church, where he served as a deacon for many years. He and Barb raised their family with their strong faith that has now spanned generations of Perry’s. Sonny was an avid bowler and golfer, creating lasting memories with his best friend, Jack Abbott, in the bowling alley or golf course. He was passionate about IU Basketball and not only followed regular season games for years, never missed tournament play either. Above all, Sonny was a family man. Affectionately known as Pap at home and amongst his loving grandchildren and great grandchildren, Sonny’s memory will be forever cherished by his loved ones, many friends, and his church family.
In addition to his parents and Barb, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Lenore Perry, Mary Wallace, Donald Perry, and Larry Perry.
Survivors include his daughters, Sandy ( the late David) Lambert, Linda (Gary) Venable, and Joni (Bryant) Hopwood; sisters, Vivian (the late Dutch) Allender and Martha (Billy) Payton; grandchildren, Ryan (Carrie) Lambert, Adria Lambert; Suni (Kraig) Johnson, Dustin (Melissa) Venable; Kegahn (Shaena) Hopwood, Denton Hopwood, Hali (Cris) Mynatt, and Keleigh (Cory) Sims; great grandchildren, Maggie Lambert, Maci Johnson (Caleb) Propst, Nolan Johnson, Delaney Johnson, Brynn Sellers, Jaiden Sellers, Madison Sellers, Avery Sellers, Maddox Hopwood, Ryker Hopwood, Ziek Hopwood, Kynlee Hopwood, Kamri Hopwood, Remi Mynatt, Warren Mynatt, Lettie Mynatt, Peri Sims.
Sonny’s Life Celebration® Visitation will be Tuesday, January 16, 2024, 4 to 8 p.m., in Mt. Gilead Church, 6019 East State Road 144, Mooresville. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m., Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at the church. Burial will follow at the Mooresville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Gilead Church; envelopes will be provided. Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family. Visit www.CarlisleBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
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I am so sorry to hear about Sonny’s passing he will surely be missed by so many people he was one of the greatest men i have ever known so sad to hear this
Thoughts and prayers are with the family
Sonny was a fine man and someone I was fortunate enough to call my friend!! I am sorry to hear of his passing but realize he and Barb are together again in a better place. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Sonny will truly be missed by so many. His smile and blue eyes always lit up any room he came in. He was a blessing to The Town of Mooresville and the world! He touched a lot of people’s lives and we loved him very much.
I am so very sorry for his family. What a wonderful person and great resident of Mooresville. He sure lived a full life and will be missed.
Sometimes there just are no words. Sonny used to help fund our Rock Solid teen ministry many years ago. He would write a Check and say,” Randy, if you don’t raise enough money for the concert, just come back and see me.” He helped change the lives of many teens just by being his generous self. His generosity and sincerity were very humbling. I’m smiling as I write this, but my heart is heavy. Rest well,brother.
Joni & Keleigh & your families, I am so very sorry to hear of Pap’s death. Whenever I would see a picture of him on Keleigh’s FB page I instantly thought “family”; it was apparent that he sure loved his family. I always enjoyed seeing pics of him with his grandchildren and great grandchildren – it was apparent they bright him great joy. Joni, I can only imagine the celebration with your Mom when your Dad entered heaven but I know how much you all are going to miss him.
Sending prayers of comfort and peace,
The Fortner family sends condolences to your family & congregation.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences. We were sorry to hear the news of Sonny’s passing, but know he’s happy to be with Barbie. He was a good man and friend who left us with so many memories. Someone once told me that a person should always try to leave a place better than he found it. I believe Sonny did just that in his personal life and work. He will be sorely missed. The family is in our prayers.
So sorry to hear of Sonny’s passing. Such a nice man and never saw him without a smile on his face! Thoughts and prayers for the entire family!
Eduardo and Kristina Busquets has purchased Boundless Love for Eugene Denny “Sonny” Perry
Alawys happy to see use and always huging our kids as we would leave the shop.
The Bowden family has purchased Sympathy Garden for Eugene Denny “Sonny” Perry
David & Desiree Pulse has purchased Cherished Moments – Red & White for Eugene Denny “Sonny” Perry
Keagan & Shanna , We’re so sorry to hear of Sonny’s passing . Prayers for all of you at this time . Mr . Perry was a wonderful man that will be missed so much . God Bless all of you . Clara & Arvest Rodgers
Paul and Rhonda Tandy has purchased Angels In the Garden for Eugene Denny “Sonny” Perry
From all of us at jw.org, we send our heartfelt condolences for the loss of your loved one.
Sonny always supported Mooresville sports. He was always in the locker room encouraging all athletes to do their best before and after the games win or lose. RIP Sonny.
Citizens Bank has purchased Blessed Patriot Spray for Eugene Denny “Sonny” Perry
Mooresville, IN Lowe’s has purchased Sympathy Garden for Eugene Denny “Sonny” Perry
Love and prayers, Cindy Dolsey has purchased Ocean Essence Spray for Eugene Denny “Sonny” Perry
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family…
Ron, Jennifer (Quillen) and Konor Shoup.
Connie and Ernie Adams has purchased Classic Blooms for Eugene Denny “Sonny” Perry
Keith & Vanessa Green & Family has purchased Classic Blooms for Eugene Denny “Sonny” Perry
Thad & Megan Miller has purchased Sweet Memories for Eugene Denny “Sonny” Perry
Thomas and Mechelle Wilder Jr has purchased Sympathy Garden for Eugene Denny “Sonny” Perry
He was a man of faith and visions. My prayers are with the family as you celebrate his journey to glory.
Jeannie Wood Easton and family has purchased Angels In the Garden for Eugene Denny “Sonny” Perry
Daryl and Becky Swinney has purchased Classic Blooms for Eugene Denny “Sonny” Perry
I have known Sonny for over 60 years. Sonny was a great man and a great family man. I did work for Sonny, personally, as well as for his companies for close to 50 years. In all of those years we never had a cross word or disagreement. I have countless fond memories of Sonny. There is one that always brings a smile to my face. It was over 30 years ago. As you all know Sonny was an avid IU fan and supporter. I, on the other hand, felt the same about Purdue, Sonny invited me to sit with him in his seats for an IU/Purdue basketball game. Purdue won a close game and I tried to be on my best behavior and thought I did a pretty good job of it. I saw Sonny a week or so later and he said he could not invite me to sit with him again. He said he enjoyed my company but the other supporters around him didn’t want to hear a Purdue fan cheering by them. I will deeply miss my friend Sonny Perry.
Shelly & Theo- Lucas Estate has purchased Pure Peace for Eugene Denny “Sonny” Perry
Sonny leaves an awesome legacy in the Mooresville community. He will never be forgotten. Sonny was Mooresville and Mooresville was Sonny. My condolences go to everyone in the Perry family, to all his friends and to the town of Mooresville for your loss. Let everyone be comforted in knowing that Sonny and Barb are once again together and they are with Jesus along with all their friends who have passed before them. It is a glorious day in Heaven. RIP
Love, the Grounds Family has purchased Classic Blooms for Eugene Denny “Sonny” Perry
Mo/Becky Mohr, Pat/Vic Taylor has purchased Angels In the Garden for Eugene Denny “Sonny” Perry
Tri County Sports has purchased Eternal Friendship for Eugene Denny “Sonny” Perry
Sonny was the best man that I have known. He was a Godly man a humble man and a great family man. He will be missed by many.
Always had a smile and a good firm handshake everytime I saw him. Great man!!
Mark, Mo, Ali & Kristin, AMCVB has purchased Designer’s Choice for Eugene Denny “Sonny” Perry
Sonny was a wonderful Man. We were all lucky to have him and Barb in our lives. May they be dancing with my brother and friends in heaven.
The Decaturs
Joni, I cherished the times I spent at your house…loved your room full of exotic plants, the love and fun Barb and Sonny gave us, the euchre parties, the trip tp Rodeo Days in Cheyenne, the daily rides to school, the trips to Lake Lemon. I felt like such a part of your family, and have such fond memories! It is impossible to see this town without your Dad. He was a pillar of this community and his loss will be difficult for so many, especially his loving family. All I can say is he was PROUD of his baby girls, and thier families. May you find love and peace with all the beautiful memories you hold in your heart. Love you so much🥰
What an incredible blessing I have been given to sit in front of Sonny working for him the last 10 years. He was an inspiration and a boss I just wanted to make proud. I will miss his stories, hugs and smile the most. I’m saddened for this loss and my thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and just everyone who knew and loved him. He was just an incredible pap, pappy, dad, friend and so much more to so many. All my love.
never knew a better man than Sonny. He was usually always glad to see me and I he. His stature was keen and he seemed to always be on the loving side of things. He will never be forgotten, and missing Sonnie and Barb is something that will always be in my heart.. Some couples are special, and they proved to be very loved and loving. The Lord will be happy to welcome them into a glorious forever home.
Paul Petersen Family has purchased Purple Majesty for Eugene Denny “Sonny” Perry
The Decatur Family has purchased Eternal Friendship for Eugene Denny “Sonny” Perry
Paps: You’ll be missed! Thank you for being a bonus grandparent throughout my childhood and into adulthood. Your heart for the Lord and your family was inspiring. Much love and many prayers for the family! Couldn’t be happier that you are once again united with Grams.
Alicia, Susan, David & Liz has purchased Palm Plant for Eugene Denny “Sonny” Perry
Nothing that hasn’t already been said about Sonny, pillar of the community, generous in every way, shared his love of life and family. What a fine example of a human being if only we could all be even a little bit like Sonny what a wonderful world it would be. Rest in Peace.
Sonny always had that big smile on his face that just made you feel comfortable around him. But the smile you could see in his eyes was even brighter. Humble, generous, godly, friendly and a sharp business mind Sonny leaves a legacy of love for his family. He will be missed by all that knew him.
We are so glad we got to meet Sonny Perry and share the 4th of July parade with him. Mooresville and Willwood will not soon see another man who made such a grand and lasting impact. Our sincere condolences on your loss.
It was always a pleasure to be in Sonny’s presence. One could only hope to be as good of a person as Sonny. I am blessed to have known him and the family. Rest in peace.
Sonny Perry was significant in my life. He showed me ingenuity at work, risk, compassion, .. and many other of his attributes. I am so grateful he chose me to have been his advisor in a few of his ventures.