William "Bill" Pearce Drewry's Obituary
William Pearce Drewry, 97, died at his home on Tuesday May 16th, 2023 in Arlington, TN., with family at his side.
Mr. Drewry was predeceased by his wife of 70 years, Ruth McCown Drewry; his daughter Ellen Drewry Adams (Scott); his son William Pearce Drewry, Jr.; and brother Robert Drewry. He is survived by four children- Elizabeth Drewry, Ruthie Drewry Moncilovich (Tom), Rice Drewry (Theresa), and Polly Drewry; his two sisters Betty Drewry Macyauski and Beverly Drewry Arwood; five grandchildren Neil DeTrana (Dayna), Zach Moncilovich (Jenny), Lauren Drewry, Rachel Tomar (Vivek) and Daniel Drewry; four great-grandchildren Ellie Young, David DeTrana, Matthew DeTrana and Chris DeTrana and many beloved nieces and nephews.
A WWII veteran, Mr Drewry was a tail gunner on a B-24 in the Army Air Corps. He served in the 491st Heavy Bomb Group, 852nd Squadron of the Mighty Eighth, flying in 33 missions over Europe. He married the love of his life (Ruthie) in 1950 and together they carved a life around family and friends. He retired from MLGW after working for 20 years as a lineman. He then started a second career at Browning-Ferris Industries where he retired from his position as Safety Manager.
Bill was an avid duck hunter and enjoyed a yearly pheasant hunting trip to South Dakota where, at age 88, he garnered the sharpshooter award. During retirement, he fulfilled his lifelong desire to live on a farm in the country across the pond from his brother Bob. He raised beef cows, cultivated large gardens and, together with his wife, hosted large family gatherings filled with music, laughter and the occasional hayride. In his last decade, he was an active member of Forever Young Veteran’s group where he enjoyed the fellowship of other WWII veterans during meetings and on Trips of Honor to Washington DC, Normandy/Belgium/Germany, New Orleans, and England.
Due to the loving care of Gracie Holt, Janice Collier, Sandy Miller, Fayzeo Salter, and, Roshena Whitfield, Bill was able to remain on his farm in his final days.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Forever Young Veterans at https://foreveryoungvets.org/ or the charity of your choice.
A Celebration of life for both Bill and Ruthie will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 1:00pm in the Fireside Chapel at Memorial Park Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 12:00pm. Interment will be at West Tennessee Veteran's Cemetery.
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