William D. Berry
June 19, 1940 - April 9, 2016
William “Bill” D. Berry, age 75, lifelong resident of Grove, OK passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 9, 2016.
Bill was born on June 19, 1940 in Tollison, AZ 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 family's legacy. Bill graduated from Grove High School in 1959, and went on to do construction and iron work.
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 1958-1967 he 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. The legacy which Shane and James carry on today.
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. He was proud of his Cherokee heritage; his great grandmother survived the Trail of Tears.
Today, we hope to make him proud by keeping his legacy alive through Honey Creek Nursery, hard work, and our love for what we do. We would not be where we are without him. Full of knowledge and always willing to teach those around him, Bill will be greatly missed. He touched so many lives and we are all better for having known him.
Bill was born on June 19, 1940 in Tollison, AZ 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 family's legacy. Bill graduated from Grove High School in 1959, and went on to do construction and iron work.
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 1958-1967 he 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. The legacy which Shane and James carry on today.
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. He was proud of his Cherokee heritage; his great grandmother survived the Trail of Tears.
Today, we hope to make him proud by keeping his legacy alive through Honey Creek Nursery, hard work, and our love for what we do. We would not be where we are without him. Full of knowledge and always willing to teach those around him, Bill will be greatly missed. He touched so many lives and we are all better for having known him.