William Simon (Bill) Berry, 84, passed from this life on October 9, 2023 at his home in Perry, Oklahoma surrounded by family. A celebration of his life will be from 2-4:00 p.m. Sunday, November 5, 2023 at the Elks Lodge in Perry. The family welcomes anyone that knew Bill to join the celebration. Strode Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of arrangements.

Bill was born to William Clarence (Red) Berry and Beulah Beatrice (Boots) McLaughlin Berry on June 16, 1939 in Ripley, Oklahoma. Bill was a 1957 graduate of Cushing High School where he met his soul mate for life Billie Francis Ulrey. They married February 16, 1958 in Pawnee. To this union they had three children, Luann, Carol, and William.

This is where Bill started his life long career in the oil field. He was a roughneck in the drilling sector, which moved the young couple around the state of Oklahoma. Bill moved into the production sector of the oilfield, which put him in the Cushing, Oklahoma area as a pumper.

Bill and his family moved to Perry in 1967. He then went to work for Tenneco Oil Company. He started as a pumper and advanced to production foreman. Bill worked for Tenneco for 20 years and was a district superintendent when the company sold. He then started his own company, Ber Mor Oil with production in the Sapulpa area. He and Billie sold that endeavor upon retirement.

Bill was devoted to his family and was the best husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather anyone could ask for. He enjoyed vacations, camping, and boating at the lake with family and friends, making many lifelong memories for all.



Bill's second passion was anything mechanical. If it had a piston or a bearing, he could fix it. If it was broken, bring it to Bill because he truly enjoyed working on just about anything. That skill and mindset put him to so called "work" with David Payne after retirement. With his friend David he could tinker with mowers, chainsaws, weed eaters, etc. and he loved it all. He thrived on working hard all his life and could never sit idle. He will be missed deeply by family and friends alike.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife Billie of 65 years, his daughter Luann Vassar and husband Neal of Weatherford, daughter Carol Reed and husband Doug of Stillwater, son Steve Berry and wife Jennifer of Oklahoma City as well as six grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to Companion Hospice, 1314 E Oklahoma Ave, Guthrie, OK 73044.