Billy W. Dry
Billy W. Dry, 87 of Joppa, went home to be with his Lord on June 23, 2021. He died with his wife by his side and his family being very attentive to him.
Mr. Dry was born on Sept. 1, 1933, in Cypress.
Mr. Dry was a member of Joppa Missionary Baptist Church. He loved his church very much and served as a trustee for the church.
Mr. Dry served in the U.S. Army and was chosen as “Soldier of the Day” at Fort Eustis, Va. The award was based on the soldier’s character, neatness, knowledge and military bearing. Pvt. Dry was appointed for the day as enlisted aide-de-camp to Brig. Gen. Frank S. Besson Jr., commanding general of Fort Eustice, thus affording the opportunity to observe administration of the post at first hand. He was also chosen as general’s aide.
He was a Volkswagen mechanic for many years. He worked for Volkswagen Co. in Peoria. He was assistant manager. He also worked as a mechanic in Paducah. He worked in custodial and maintenance work for Joppa High School.
He was married to Joan Stewart for 67 years and to this union were born four children, Elaine Dry Wetherington and husband, Bob, Pamela Dry Stone and husband, Louis, Nan Dry Saylor and husband, Rick, and Billy Wade Dry Jr. and fiance, Margarita Melo.
His grandchildren are Jennifer Graves, Benjamin Wetherington, Michal Beth Ellis, Arron Saylor, Michael Saylor, Elizabeth Hughs, Amber Dry, John Dry, Jacob Dry and Joseph Dry.
Great-grandchildren are Paige and Logan Graves, Levi and Lily Wetherington, Claire, Kate and Silas Ellis and Allison Story.
Mr. Dry was the son of Arthur Olen Dry Ott and Estella Mae Dry, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Pearl Mann and Pauline Allred; and three brothers, Theodore, Wayne and Arthur Dry Jr.
He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He loved them all and enjoyed spending time with them.
He will certainly be missed, but we know that he is walking the streets of gold in heaven with Jesus and his friends and relatives who have gone on before him.
The family thanks Dr. Randy Oliver and Metropolis Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for caring for Billy during his extended illness.
Memorials can be sent to the Joppa Baptist Church.
Graveside services honoring the life of Billy W. Dry were held at 1 p.m. Monday, June 28, at the Metropolis Memorial Garden’s Cemetery. The Rev. David Wright officiated.
Full military honors were accorded by the U.S. Army National Guard funeral detail team and area veterans.
Pallbearers were John Dry, Jacob Dry, Joseph Dry, Billy Dry Jr., Benjamen Wetherington, Anthony Ellis, Justin Graves, Rick Saylor, Bob Wetherington and Louis Stone.
Music was provided by Beth Adkins, “I Can Only Imagine.”
To leave an online message with the family or to share a memory, visit www.wilsonfuneralhome1928.com
Wilson Funeral Home in Karnak was in charge of arrangements.