William Hugh Perry Sr., 96, of Ransom Road, Franklin Twp., died at his home on the family farm on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, after a brief illness associated with advanced age. Born March 20, 1926, Mr. Perry was the son of the late Joseph James and Freida Caroline Risch Perry of Walnut Lane Farm on Ransom Road in Franklin Twp., near Dallas.

Mr. Perry started his education in a one-room schoolhouse in Franklin Twp.; he was a 1945 graduate of West Pittston High School, a 1950 graduate of Wilkes College, and a 1952 graduate of the Pennsylvania State University. He was an enthusiastic fan of the Penn State Nittany Lions.

Multitalented, hardworking and enterprising, Mr. Perry was a migratory beekeeper and farmer known to many as "the bee man." Over a career that spanned more than 70 years, he developed his Perry Apiaries interstate beekeeping business to become one of the larger honey producers on the East Coast. With bases of operation in Pennsylvania, Florida and New York, he was a pioneer in the innovative use of refrigerated transport for large-scale interstate beekeeping operations. Mr. Perry was a member of the New York and Pennsylvania State Beekeeper's Associations and was named Pennsylvania's 2006 Beekeeper of the Year. Mr. Perry's Walnut Lane Farm included his herd of Angus cattle, his haymaking operation and a vintage sawmill. A talented woodworker, he designed and constructed the family home. Always an active member of his community, Mr. Perry served as Franklin Twp.'s judge of elections for many years, and he was a lifelong member of the Orange United Methodist Church. He will be dearly missed by many.

Mr. Perry was preceded in death by his daughter, Caroline Amelia Perry; infant grandson, Conall James Larkin-Perry; brother, Joseph James Perry Jr. (Celena); sister, Catherine Perry Gray; and brother, Jerome John Perry (Elizabeth).

Mr. Perry is survived by his wife of 68 years, Priscilla Davis Perry; children, William H. Perry Jr., Samuel L. Perry, Margaret Kane (Martin), Jean Eskandari, Patrick J. Perry (Kimberly Larkin) and Matthew G. Perry; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Orange United Methodist Church, 2293 W. Eighth St., Dallas. Interment will be in the Eaton Cemetery, Ransom Road, Franklin Twp. Arrangements are under the direction of The Richard H. Disque Funeral Home Inc., 2940 Memorial Highway, Dallas.

Condolences may be made at Disquefuneralhome.com.

Published by Citizens Voice on Sep. 19, 2022.

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Memories and Condolences
for William Perry

Sponsored by Richard H. Disque Funeral Home, Inc..

7 Entries

Bill and his wife Priscilla were dear friends of our parents (Merle & Emily Fisher) through their love of beekeeping! Bill would sometimes come to our family farm to visit and/or work on transporting hives of honeybees with our Dad. Beekeepers often helped each other! My first memory of Bill that is clear to me is when he had supper with us and teased us kids...he laughed and chased my one sister (Ruth) around the yard because she teased him too!
Later, in my Dad´s life he shared a story of he & Bill working to load bees on the truck in the middle of the night and listening to the presidential returns (1950´s) on the truck radio they had blaring in the bee yard! I can´t remember the exact name of the candidate they wanted to win, but he didn´t. There are other find memories of him with Priscilla at the Pennsylvania State Beekeepers´ meetings over the years! Condolences to all of the family!

Becky Fisher Gerhart

Friend

September 25, 2022

Remembering Bill's great laugh and smile forever. He is now resting with my parents (Merle & Emily Fisher). They are sure to be talking honey bees, Florida, State Beekeeper friends and meetings. He was a blessing to all. Our sincere sympathy.

Mary Fisher Henry

Friend

September 25, 2022

Sending love and prayers to your family!

J Jones

Friend

September 20, 2022

So sorry for your loss

Barbara Roslewicz

September 19, 2022

I knew Mr. Perry from years ago when he came with the bees to Florida. He employed many young adults in our community for awhile including some girls for cleaning the work house, and fellas to work the bees with some of his sons. He was a kind and generous bee man and we enjoyed his visits for years. Also loved the honey

Aurilee Payne

Friend

September 19, 2022

We are so saddened by Bills passing. Bill was a one of a kind guy. We were blessed by his friendship.
Don & Leslie Halchak

Leslie Halchak

September 19, 2022

Priscella and family please accept my condolences.
I knew Bill my entire life both at church and as a neighbor. I remember my cousin Ernie and me baling hay with Bill and Priscella at their numerous farms in the area. A tireless worker and an active supporter of community and church. He will be missed by both.

Art Baird

Art Baird

Friend

September 19, 2022

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