Eugene Denny "Sonny" Perry

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.