Billy Aery, 81

Billy Aery, 81, of Orange City, Florida (formerly of Baudette), passed away suddenly on February 15, 2025, at his home.

Billy was born on April 8, 1943, at his home in Rako along with his twin brother Bobby.  He spent his childhood in Rako with a brief time living in Missouri.  He attended school in Rako and graduated from Baudette High School in 1961.  
Following graduation, Billy joined the US Army (1961-1964), serving in Germany.  He worked numerous jobs including the ore boats on the Great Lakes before settling in Silver Bay where he worked for Reserve Mining.  
He married Cheryl Cone in 1971.   After the close of Reserve Mining, Billy moved his family to Pendleton, Oregon, where he worked for the prison system as a boiler operator until his retirement in 2006.

Billy married Rebecca in 2002, and soon after Billy’s retirement, they built a cabin in Carp where they enjoyed the summer months, and they spent the winter months near Rebecca’s sons and grandchildren in Florida.

Billy was a loving man with a tender heart and loved his family and time spent with them. He enjoyed the outdoors and especially fishing.  Billy could be found outside gardening, mowing, trimming, and generally keeping things neat and tidy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Elvera Aery, sisters Nellie, Juanita, and Edna, and brothers Charles, Carl, Eldon, Bobby, and Donald, great-grandson Reagan Skinner, and his son-in-law, Mark Skinner.

Billy is survived by his wife, Rebecca. Billy is also survived by his daughters Dawn (Aery) Skinner (Danny Cain) and Brenda Aery (Lance McMurphy), his grandchildren Logan (Seaira) Skinner, Paige Skinner (Manuel Meda), Eli Klein (Kailei), Wyatt Klein and great-grandchildren Sawyer and Lane Skinner and his sister Margaret (Aery) Turner.

A graveside burial with military honors at Elm Park Cemetery will be held on July 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.  A gathering will follow at the American Legion for family and friends.  A lunch will be served.