William W. Perdue

William Wallace Perdue, age 82, long time Columbia resident, passed away on Wednesday, October 23, at NHC Columbia.

Bill was born on September 9, 1937, in Little Rock, AR, the son of the late William McElroy Perdue and Blanche Harris Perdue. He was the husband of 54 years to Gaynor Campbell Perdue.

Upon graduation from the University of Arkansas, with a degree in Chemical Engineering, Bill immediately began his career with Monsanto Chemical Company in St. Louis. Bill moved to Columbia in the summer of 1960 as an engineer with Monsanto Chemical Company, where he worked for 33 years before finally retiring as Plant Manager.

Bill was very active in the community and one of his passions was the Wagon Wheelers, a western square dancing club in Middle Tennessee. Most Saturday nights found Bill and Gaynor at the Memorial Building with the Wagon Wheelers. From an interview with The Daily Herald in 1993, Bill is quoted as saying “It may be the largest western square dancing club in Middle Tennessee. It’s a pretty close-knit group.”

Bill was a huge Arkansas Razorbacks fan, following them in football, basketball and baseball. He also was an avid hunter and fisherman.

He was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Columbia, where he served on the Board of Trustees. Bill also was a great supporter of the Columbia United Way, was a member of the Columbia Rotary Club and was a recipient of the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow recognition.

One of the greatest joys of Bill’s life was time spent with his family. His two grandchildren were his two greatest blessings, next to Gaynor and their children. Bill and Gaynor never missed a sporting event for Emily or Will and were an active part of every stage of their lives.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Gaynor Perdue; son, David Perdue of Nashville, TN; daughter, Beth (Bill) Robinson of Columbia; grandchildren, Emily (Brent) McKamey of Lawrenceburg and Will Robinson of Columbia, sister, Linda (Herb) Uhl along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services for Bill will be conducted Friday at 3:00 P.M. in the chapel of Williams Funeral Home in Columbia with Rev. Lee Stevenson officiating. Entombment will follow in the Polk Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. The family will visit with friends and family on Thursday from 4:00 – 8:00 P.M.at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Will Robinson, Brent McKamey, Chip Campbell, Guy Campbell, Gray Campbell, Keith Campbell, Kevin Campbell and Glen Baer.
Honorary pallbearers will be all Monsanto Retirees.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to First United Methodist Church of Columbia in Mr. Perdue’s name.