William Bryant Persell

William “Bill” Bryant Persell, 78, was born on October 8, 1947. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening June 3, 2026, after a courageous seven-year battle with cancer. Through every health challenge, he remained optimistic, drawing strength from his faith in God and his unwavering love for his family.

He was born in Humboldt, Tennessee, and was preceded in death by his parents Elsie Marie Smith and William D. Persell. He was proud of his family heritage, which included his great-grandfather, who is credited with bringing strawberries from Maryland to the South. Bill graduated in 1965 from Whitehaven High School and attended the University of Memphis.

He served six years in the Naval Air Reserve as an air crew member, and was a submarine spotter. He also built a fulfilling career with FedEx where he retired after 25 years of dedicated service. As a Senior Security Specialist, he designed electronic security systems across the Southeastern and Western divisions and his service calls took him to destinations such as California and as far as Paris.

Perhaps his greatest legacy is his devotion to his beloved wife, Judith “Judy” Persell (McDonald) to whom he was married for 55 years and by whom he is survived; along with his son, Wesley Persell (Shannon), and his treasured grandsons, Parker and Miles, of Arlington, TN.

He enjoyed traveling, was a former Memphis in May barbecue judge, and an avid Tennessee Volunteers fan. In retirement, he and his wife made their home in Fairfield Bay, AR, where he especially enjoyed life boating and fishing on the water and time on the golf course. Known affectionately as “Pop-Pop,” he took immense pride in his son and grandchildren and found great joy in watching them grow and succeed. They remained his greatest motivation throughout his courageous fight against illness and the reason he and Judy recently returned to the area. Bill will be remembered for his unwavering love for those closest to him.

The family will receive friends during visitation on Tuesday, June 9th from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., at Peebles West Funeral Chapel at Oakland. 10670 US Highway 64, Somerville, TN 38068