William "Bill" D. Berry, age 75, lifelong resident of Grove, Okla. passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 9.
Bill was born on June 19, 1940 in Tollison, Ariz. to Fred and Molly (McClain) Berry, the youngest of 10 children. As an infant, his parents moved to Grove and bought a farm on Honey Creek, that would later become his families legacy. Bill graduated from Grove High School in 1959.
On July 23, 1960 he married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Robertson and they spent 55 wonderful years together. From this union came 5 children. Michelle, Keli, Kim, Shane and James Shawn.
Throughout his life Bill was known for his undying work ethic. From 1958-1967he managed the family farm which included a Grade A dairy. In 1967 Bill founded Honey Creek Nursery - and many of the trees to be seen in the Grand Lake area and beyond, came from this nursery; the beauty of these trees is part of the legacy he leaves behind.
Bill was involved in numerous community activities: Volunteer fire fighter at Butler Fire Department. He was a founding member of the Grove Junior Chamber of Commerce, served on the Grove School Board, and worked many years to help build the youth sports programs in the city of Grove. He donated most of the trees standing today at all Grove Public School sites.
Bill belonged to several philanthropic organizations including Concerned Citizens for Green Country Conservation, Oklahoma Wildlife Federation, Delaware County Agriculture, Stabilization and Conservation Committee and he was proud of his Cherokee heritage, his great grandmother survived the trail of tears.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred & Molly Berry, siblings: Everett Berry, Clara Stearns, Dean Berry, Betty Durham, Gene Berry, James Berry and son-in-law, Tom Steen.
Those left to cherish his memory and continue his legacy: wife, Sandra (Robertson)Berry of Grove, Ok, Children: Michelle Perry-White (m. Henry White) of Double Oak, TX, Keli Steen (m. Tom Steen) of Grove, OK, Kim Dodson (m. Justin Dodson) of Welch, OK, Shane Berry (m. Kim Berry) of Grove, OK and James Shawn Berry (m. Kelly Johnson-Berry) of Tulsa, OK.
Grandchildren: Megan Lasch, Timothy Steen, Molly Steen, Tylor Dodson, Tra Dodson, McKalee Steen, Billy Berry, Marshall Berry and Morgan Berry
Siblings: Bonnie Boethin of Oologah, OK, Lou Ann Murray of Grove, OK, and Bob Berry of Tahlequah, OK and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 13 at Nichols Funeral Chapel. The body will lie in state on Thursday from 9 to 5 p.m. at the funeral home.
A come and go Celebration of Bill's life will be held at his home from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 14 and food and beverages will be served.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 15 at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Grove, Okla.
Memorial contributions in Bill Berry's name can be made to the Butler Fire Department at 66200 E 335th Rd, Jay, OK 74346.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of William "Bill" D. Berry please visit the Nichols Funeral Chapel's Sympathy Store.