William Earnest Berndt

William "Bill" Berndt graduated Garfield High School in 1966 and entered the US Marine Corps where he advanced to Sergeant. He served in Vietnam and earned a Purple Heart after being wounded in combat. He settled in North Carolina and enjoyed looking after cats and became a fur daddy to his beloved pup Cinnamon. He is a talented artist, and during the late 90's and early 2000's sought to expand his gift to graphic design attending classes at Fayetteville Community College.

He lived a low profile life, but had a heart of gold when presented with folks in need, providing unconditional help in his capacity. He was a avid supporter of Toys for Tots over many years. Throughout his retirement he stood stoic and maintained his love and pride of being a Combat Marine.

Bill had very few friends locally, but those close to him will miss him greatly. He is a man whose life is worth celebrating, and a soul worth remembering.

William is preceded in death by his sisters, Jeanette Drohan in 2017 and Margaret Weeks in 2023. He is survived by his niece, Kimberly Drohan-Venturella, her husband Jeff, his nephew Michael Drohan and his great nieces Mikala and Corrie Venturella and Alanah Drohan.

There will not be a local memorial. Bill's final wish was to be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.