William Perry McKain Jr.

On Thursday, June 15, 2023, William Perry McKain, Jr., 64, passed away unexpectedly while on vacation with his family in Tennessee.

Born in Charlotte, NC, he was the youngest of three children and only son of the late Lucille Cox McKain and William Perry McKain, Sr.

Perry graduated from Tift County High School in Tifton, Georgia in 1977 and married his high school classmate, best friend, and love of his life, Denise Hellwig, on March 8, 1980. During their 43 years of love and laughter, the happy couple raised two strong daughters and welcomed two beloved sons-in-law and five beautiful grandchildren.
He was a Dad, Grandpa, and Poppy who worked hard to support and be there for as many things as he was able to. Perry was most excited about taking family and friends to Clemson games and teaching them the traditions that come with being a Tiger. He also generously planned family vacations and loved nothing more than having his entire family together.

Perry was an avid Clemson Tiger fanatic and very rarely missed a football game. Everyone knew where to find Perry at football games since he parked in the same spot for over 25 years. He will be missed by everyone who tailgated around us in lot 5.

In 1979 Perry began his career in tele-communications with AT&T in Tifton, Georgia. He worked in Savannah, Georgia and later retired from the phone company in Greenville, SC, in 2019. The move to Greenville brought him so much joy as he was much closer to his Clemson Tigers!

Perry was a faithful member of the Lutheran Church of Our Saviour. He was passionate about serving on the usher team and was head of the security team. He cherished each friendship he made serving the Lord each Sunday and was eager to help when the church was in need.

Perry was also a proud member of Acacia Lodge #452 F&AM in Savannah, GA.

In addition to his loving wife, Denise, he is survived by two adored daughters, Stephanie [Eric] Pilkenton and Lisa [Keith] Fuller; five precious grandchildren, Jenna, Lexie, and Ember Pilkenton and Hailey and Perry Fuller; mother-in-law, Arlene Hellwig; two sisters, Beth [Curt] Eaddy and Lynda [David] McConnell; sister-in-law, Donna Rocker [Dwaine Sanders]; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whom he loved dearly.

He was predeceased by his parents, nephew, Greg Eaddy, and great-nephew, James Hall.

A memorial service celebrating Perry’s life will be held Saturday, June 24, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary of the Lutheran Church of Our Saviour, 2600 Wade Hampton Blvd., Greenville, SC, with inurnment immediately following in the Remembrance Garden. Visitation and light refreshments will follow in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either Peace Lutheran Church in Tifton, Georgia or the Lutheran Church of Our Saviour in Greenville, SC.

Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Perry with the family by clicking on the button labeled “Leave A Message, Share a Memory” below.