William H. Berkmeier

William H Berkmeier, age 67, of Vestavia, Alabama passed away on July 13, 2017 surrounded by his family after complications associated with a brief and sudden diagnosis of cancer. Bill was born on May 4, 1950 in Suffern, New York to the late Henrietta and William H Berkmeier. Bill attended Dickinson College on a basketball scholarship and married the love of his life, Debbie, in 1973. He enjoyed a successful career as an investment consultant, which ultimately brought him to Birmingham, Alabama. Bill was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who made sure that providing for his family was his top priority. Nothing made him prouder than to see his children succeed. He enjoyed coaching his kids' youth basketball teams until high school, when he redirected his efforts to heckling referees from the sidelines. Bill was an avid golfer and spent as much time as he could "perfecting" his game. Friends who regularly played with him can attest to the fact that he never hesitated to offer his sage wisdom of the game to any willing or unwilling participant. His work ethic and love for his hobbies were clearly an extension of his life-long ambition to learn, improve, and succeed at everything he undertook. Bill is survived by his wife of 44 years, Deborah Ann Hooley, and three children – William H Berkmeier, III (Ann), Margaret Lee Dorsett (Sam), and Katherine Ann Collier (John). He is survived and adored by his 5 grandchildren – William H Berkmeier, IV (4), John Rucker Collier (3), James Bailey Dorsett (2), Amelia Grace Berkmeier (2), and Charles Clark Collier (9 months). He is also survived by his sister Bonnie Berkmeier of Lahaska, Pennsylvania. A visitation will be held Monday, July 17th at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel Narthex at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, followed by a memorial service at 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Salvation Army.