Kellis Claude Berdoll

Kellis Claude Berdoll was born in Austin, Texas June 27, 1940, to Ivy and Claude Berdoll. He spent his childhood working with his dad and brothers in the farming business in and around the Garfield Community. The Berdoll brothers were known for their expert knowledge and ability in harvesting and plowing. Kellis and his brothers Dan and Phil partnered to do custom plowing and harvesting for other farmers while continuing to do their own farms. Kellis farmed all around the Bastrop & Hills Prairie area, including the acreage where Covert Chevy is now located. With the passage of time, much of the land he cultivated has been turned into commercial property.

Kellis developed an interest in pecan production when he spent time with a neighbor, O.C. Wimberley, in his orchard. In 1977, he began the endeavor of creating his own orchard by selecting varieties of pecans he hoped would be best for this area and with the help of his Uncle Arthur, he planted rows of trees through a pasture in the river bottom. While the trees were growing, he continued to farm and raise pigs and even added row crop between the trees, knowing it could take 10 years between planting trees and producing a pecan crop. The next year he decided to plant more trees. He quickly learned to bud to the chosen variety when the trees he received for planting weren't the variety he ordered. With the orchard complete, he could focus solely on producing quality pecans. Over the years, he won many awards and was recognized in the county and state for the outstanding pecans he produced.

Kellis's brothers grew an interest in pecan production, so each of the five brothers started their own orchard on land their dad had previously owned. Their orchards were side by side, and each did his own method of planting, cultivating, and harvesting his trees. Each had his own equipment and own ideas about how it should be done. They were interested in how each other managed their orchard but didn't try to convince the other that their methods were best. They always got along well. Thus began the legacy of Berdoll Pecans.

Around 2000, Kellis decided to start planting a new orchard, which was larger than the old one, on property he had purchased on FM969. After his first few years, the traffic on Highway 71 greatly increased, and moving equipment to and from the old orchard became too dangerous. Kellis decided to sell his old orchard to Dan and concentrate his efforts on the new one. He continued adding new areas to the orchard until it grew to what it is today.

Kellis was so proud that Lance and Travis are successfully carrying on the Berdoll Pecan legacy.

In his younger days, Kellis attended Austin and Del Valle schools. Kellis never had a high interest in formal education. Later on Del Valle schools opened which was necessary with Bergstrom Air Force Base needing schools for the children of airmen stationed there. That opened a new world for Kellis being part of the student body from all over the world. When he was in high school he decided he could be more productive on the farm, so he headed home to pull corn for his dad. That ended his formal schooling.

Kellis enjoyed steer-dogging in local rodeos and around the state traveling with his brothers and many friends. During this time, he also worked as an electrician at the University of Texas in Austin.

Kellis was known far and wide, not just for his pecan production! Everyone knew and liked Kellis.

Kellis is predeceased by his parents, many close friends and a nephew, Daryl Combs, one brother-in-law and two sisters-in-law. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Julia; his son, Lance Berdoll and wife, Lavonne; his grandson, Travis Berdoll and wife Kaitlyn; and his granddaughter, Kaylee Smith and husband Jimmie Smith III. He also leaves his pride and joy, two great granddaughters, Emma Kay and Kacie Lee Berdoll. His surviving siblings Dan (Virginia), Phil Berdoll, Janet Rippy, Gayla Massengill (Ted), Sandra Berdoll, Hal Berdoll (Lisa) and Sebe Berdoll (Pat) along with Julia's children, Jamie (Willie) Steinhauser, Shelly (Will) Hoffman and Peter (Alicia) Scott along with eight grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.

Pallbearers, all nephews, are Mark Berdoll, Chad Berdoll, Chris Berdoll, Keith Berdoll, Royce Rippy, and Brandon Berdoll.

In lieu of flowers, please direct your donation to Haynie Chapel Church or Cemetery or a charity of your choice.