Lewis Woodson Perciful passed away in Venice after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease on Thursday, March 7, 2013.

He was born in Mt. Vernon, Ky., on May 16, 1923, to the late Effie and Ken Perciful. He entered into the Navy in the midst of World War II. During his service in the Pacific as a naval aviator he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was honorably discharged from three branches of the armed forces, the Navy, Army and Air Force.

After the war, he graduated from Eastern Kentucky University and attended the University of Kentucky. He dedicated himself to a long career with Ford Motor Company in Louisville, Ky., as district parts and service manager. He later owned Sherman Industries of Louisville.

He was a past member of Turner’s in Louisville, where was an avid boater, and he loved to sail. He hand-built a sailboat, the MISTY, of which he was very proud. He enjoyed weekends at his Prudy Hill vacation home on Lake Cumberland with family and friends. He had a smile and a laugh that you couldn’t forget.

He is survived by his daughter, Janice Perciful Stevenson, and her husband, Jack, of Venice; his brother, Dr. Jack Perciful, and his wife, Nell; his nephew, John Perciful, and his wife, Sherry; an aunt, Elva Singleton, of Louisville; an uncle, Billy McHargue, and his wife, Sadie, of Shepherdsville, Ky., and Tarpon Springs, Fla.; and granddogs Sophia and Hanna, whom he loved dearly.

He also is survived by many friends in Louisville and Venice’s Clare Bridge and Senior Friendship Center.

Services: Funeral services will be held in the spring. To send condolences, visit www.FarleyFuneralHome.com. Cox Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, Ky., and Farley Funeral Home in Venice are in charge of arrangements.