10/20/13

Death of a Classmate - William K. Peery, 3rd Co.

CaptWilliam Kiah Peery USN (Ret.), passed away peacefully at his home in Annapolis, MD surrounded by family on Friday, October 18, 2013. He was 81 years old. Bill was the son of Joseph Elmo and Clara Harman Peery. He was born April 11, 1932 in his grandparent's home in North Tazewell, VA. He grew up in the small coal mining town of Vivian, WV. He played football, basketball and baseball and graduated from Welch High School in 1950 and received an appointment to the Naval Academy where he further concentrated on academics and football and graduated in the class of 1954.
He trained as an aviator in Pensacola, FL and received his wings in 1956 in Corpus Christi, TX. Bill had a long career as a Navy pilot flying several types of aircraft. Stationed at Oceana in Virginia Beach he flew off the USS Enterprise on its first trip around the world. From 1967-1969 he deployed twice to SE Asia flying the A6A Intruder and was aboard the USS Forestall during its tragic fire. He then completed a tour of duty as Senior Naval Officer and Instructor at the Air Force Academy. Subsequently Bill was the first CO of VT-19 in Meridian, MS. Later stationed in Alameda, CA from 1972-1974, he was again twice deployed to SE Asia as Senior Navigator on the USS Ranger. Further assignemets included San Diego, Naval War College, SACLANT, and finally Naval Base Charleston, SC where he helped design and oversee the installation of the two-tiered pier.
After retirement from the Navy, Bill worked for 12 years as a Logistic Engineer for Westinghouse Electric Corp. in Baltimore, MD. He enjoyed sports throughout his lifetime participating, watching, coaching and never missed watching a Navy football game. He was an active member of St. Mary's parish and the Annapolis Woodworking Club.
CaptPeery was devoted to God, country and family and is survived by his wife of 57 years, Diane Marie Standing of Virginia Beach, VA and their six children: Kathleen (Pasquale) of Virginia Beach; Ellen (Matt) Wrenn of Oak Island, NC; Bill (Claire) Peery of Longboat Key, FL; Brian Peery of Annapolis; Ann (Jim) House of Raleigh, NC; Carolyn (Eric) Pelli of Arnold, MD and their 11 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother Joseph Peery of Roanoke, VA.
A wake will be held Wednesday, October 23 at Taylor Funeral Home, 147 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis from 6-8 PM. A funeral mass will be held at St. John Neumann, 620 N. Bestgate Road, Annapolis on Thursday, October 24 at 10:30 AM.  A Reception will follow the Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Vincent De Paul Society at St. Mary's Church, 109 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis, MD 21401.

SERVICES


VISITATION
Wednesday, October 23 
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM     


John M. Taylor Funeral Home 

147 Duke of Gloucester St.
Annapolis, MD
FUNERAL MASS
Thursday, October 24 
10:30 AM     


St. John Neumann Catholic Church 

620 N. Bestgate Road
Annapolis, MD 21401



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