Perry William Whitmore

Perry William Whitmore (Bill), age 85, passed away peacefully at home with family on Easter, April 5, 2026. He was born August 27, 1940 to Ray and Viola Whitmore in Albia, IA. He grew up in Des Moines, IA where he graduated from Des Moines Technical High School. He attended Grand View College where he studied art history and French.

Perry spent his early career in the grocery business then specialized in carpet and home-improvement at Home Depot, Shaw Industries, Plywood Minnesota, and Carpetland where he was store manager in Des Moines and Ames. He enjoyed training new employees in home improvement and getting to know his customers. In addition, he established Whitmore Fencing and installed chain-link and wood fencing for 20 years. Perry continued to work into his 70s, part-time at Menards in Des Moines.

He loved cars, going to car shows, and watching Mecum Auctions on TV. He adored his dog Suzy and often reminisced about their walks together. He loved his friends in Des Moines and often met up with them for pizza at Bordenaro's Pizza & Pasta or The Tavern in Valley Junction and going to outdoor concerts. He picked up drawing again later in his life and created a collection of his artwork. Perry was very outgoing and loved to talk to people, even people he didn’t’ know. Holidays were very special to him and no matter where he lived, he enjoyed holiday decorating.

Perry is survived his children, Felicia (Joe) Kisselburg of Fuquay-Varina, NC and daughter Jennifer Dill of Anderson, SC; grandchildren Nathan Kisselburg of Fuquay-Varina, NC, Christopher Langlinais of Anderson, SC, Lee Kisselburg of Resaca, GA, and Kristen Morgan of Dawsonville, GA. Also surviving are number of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and many friends.

In addition to his parents, Perry is predeceased by his siblings Delores Warner, Diane VanCleave, Harold Whitmore, and half-brother Robert Whitmore.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at 1 pm and a service 2 pm at Fuquay-Varina United Methodist Church, 100 S. Judd Pkwy SE, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526.

A Des Moines memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 10 am at Grace Baptist Church, 112 County Line Rd, Des Moines, IA 50320.

To honor Perry, contributions may be made to NC Dementia Alliance, (https://dementianc.org).