Tropical Willie Needs Us Now
Donation protected
If you are reading this, then you are in one way or another connected to the two-wheel world and the culture that supports it. In that, you will likely know Mr. Willie “T” Jones, or as he is often referred to, Tropical Willie and his wife Gloria "Ms. Jean" Perry. For over 30 Years, Willie has owned and operated Willie’s Tropical Tattoo on US 1 in Daytona, along with that the twice-annual infamous “Chopper Time” Old School Bike Show on that property. While this show is perceived as wildly successful, its purpose is to gather community and do charitable work. Both the Veterans Fund and the Arni Foundation have benefitted greatly over the years from these events' proceeds, but there’s more. Hundreds of young builders and motorcycle businesses have enjoyed Willie and Chopper Time's welcoming treatment to set up and expose their craft and products. Without these opportunities, many would have been unable to display any of their work at an event as big as Daytona. When it comes to the tattoo world, Willie has been just as responsible for that community, serving as a mentor and even fostering hundreds of young artists that came looking for a home.
His work within the local community sees many thousands of dollars a year in tattoo gift certificates for many prizes or fundraisers. Willie lends himself to any bike show or good cause that gathers community. All around, Willie is and has been a leader of these three communities. It shows in the outpouring of support for his Chopper Time shows and the fact that some of his tattoo artists have been there for 20 years. One artist, Clay, has been with Willie since the day he opened the door. He is a staunch patriot who believes in faith, freedom, family, and friends above all else.
As I write this, Willie is in ICU with severe injuries suffered from a drunk driver who ran him down on Saturday the 10th of April while on his way to help Cochise celebrate his 100th issue at the Boot Hill Saloon. Coming down the wrong way on a one-way street, a woman never stopped and collided with Willie on his motorcycle. She continued on, and if not for Cap and Skully that were with him, would have fled the scene. His injuries, which were thought to be minor, are now complicated and growing in severity. He has several broken ribs, some that have punctured his left lung. Two days after being rushed to the hospital from the accident scene, he had to undergo surgery for multiple blood clots and have a portion of his left lung's lower lobe removed.
As you can imagine, the medical bills will pile up quickly in a situation like this. As young and virile as Willie seems, a hulk of a man standing at the door of the legendary Tropical Tattoo, he is, in truth, an older gentleman who may take longer to recover from injuries like this. For this reason, we are asking that anyone who knows the story of Tropical Willie has received blessings from his friendship or understands the role he plays in our community to help gather a fund to ensure that his bills are the last thing he needs to think about right now. Allowing him the time he needs to recover and showing him that he has had our backs for all the years, we are now honored for the chance to have his.
Thank you in advance for any help you may be able to give. Please share this and help us help the one who has always done for others!!!
-on behalf of Tropical Willie and family
Chris Callen
Ms. Kari
Steve Broyles
Thomas Knittle
His work within the local community sees many thousands of dollars a year in tattoo gift certificates for many prizes or fundraisers. Willie lends himself to any bike show or good cause that gathers community. All around, Willie is and has been a leader of these three communities. It shows in the outpouring of support for his Chopper Time shows and the fact that some of his tattoo artists have been there for 20 years. One artist, Clay, has been with Willie since the day he opened the door. He is a staunch patriot who believes in faith, freedom, family, and friends above all else.
As I write this, Willie is in ICU with severe injuries suffered from a drunk driver who ran him down on Saturday the 10th of April while on his way to help Cochise celebrate his 100th issue at the Boot Hill Saloon. Coming down the wrong way on a one-way street, a woman never stopped and collided with Willie on his motorcycle. She continued on, and if not for Cap and Skully that were with him, would have fled the scene. His injuries, which were thought to be minor, are now complicated and growing in severity. He has several broken ribs, some that have punctured his left lung. Two days after being rushed to the hospital from the accident scene, he had to undergo surgery for multiple blood clots and have a portion of his left lung's lower lobe removed.
As you can imagine, the medical bills will pile up quickly in a situation like this. As young and virile as Willie seems, a hulk of a man standing at the door of the legendary Tropical Tattoo, he is, in truth, an older gentleman who may take longer to recover from injuries like this. For this reason, we are asking that anyone who knows the story of Tropical Willie has received blessings from his friendship or understands the role he plays in our community to help gather a fund to ensure that his bills are the last thing he needs to think about right now. Allowing him the time he needs to recover and showing him that he has had our backs for all the years, we are now honored for the chance to have his.
Thank you in advance for any help you may be able to give. Please share this and help us help the one who has always done for others!!!
-on behalf of Tropical Willie and family
Chris Callen
Ms. Kari
Steve Broyles
Thomas Knittle
Organizer and beneficiary
Kari Juengel
Organizer
Ormond Beach, FL
Gloria Perry
Beneficiary