John Perrey

John Dudley Perrey, Jr., affectionately known to all as "Skip", passed away peacefully on October 3, 2026, at the age of 71, from a six-month battle with Brain Cancer.

Born on September 3, 1955, in Lebanon, Missouri, Skip was a proud native Missourian who built a life full of deep family and friendship bonds, quiet craftsmanship, and lifelong devotion. He spent 38 years as a dedicated salesman in the oil industry with Baker Hughes Oil Tools—a career that took him and his family across nine state moves including a solo stint in Africa, before retiring and settling in Richmond, Virginia near his children.

Skip was a man of many talents and passions. An avid golfer with a precision eye, Skip didn't just play the game; he built beautiful custom golf clubs, including a specialized set for 1990s LPGA professional Kelly Robbins. He treasured the outdoors, particularly the Lake of the Ozarks, where he helped his father work on their family cabin, and spent countless happy hours fishing.

Skip is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Sheila Perrey; his two children, Ryan Perrey and Rachel (Chris) Durgin; his four cherished grandchildren, Adelise, Everly, Collette, and Eden; his sisters, Jennifer Kutscher and Jill (Charlie) LeBlanc; and his sisters-in-law, Sharon Crabtree and Sarah (Michael) Carnes. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews whom he cared for deeply.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Jerre Perrey; his beloved nephew, Beau LeBlanc; his built-in crew chief and brother-in-law, Will Crabtree; and William and Maxine Crabtree.

There will. be a Richmond (Moseley) Celebration of Life and another in St. Louis, Mo. See "Servcies" for details