Billy W Berry

Bill Berry, fondly known as Coach Berry, died peacefully at his home on Saturday, February 10th, 2024. He was surrounded by his wife of 58 years, Beverly, his daughter, Kim, and son, Steve. Bill suffered a catastrophic stroke prior to his death and was gently called to his heavenly home one week

later.

Bill was an extremely loving and devoted husband, father. and grandfather and took great pride in his children, grandchildren, and family. He is survived by his loving wife, Beverly Williams Berry, daughter, Kim Berry Mannion of New Port Richey, FL, son, Steve C. Berry of Tarpon Springs, FL, and granddaughters, Laila and Kyndal Mannion of New Port Richey, FL. He was preceded in death by his oldest son, Billy II, who died in 1982. Bill is also survived by niece, Marla Williams Rainey and husband, Steve, of Dexter, MO, and nephew, Ken Williams of Holiday, FL, whom he held dear their entire lives. Other survivors include his sister, Shirley Harwell and brother, Cledis Berry, both of Poplar Bluff, MO, brother-in-laws, Gary Williams of New Port Richey, FL, and Justin Williams and wife Emily of Sikeston, MO, sister-in-law, Gina Williams of Largo, FL, and an array of other loving nieces, nephews, and other family members. The Berry family also called many other young people

their own, always opening their home and instilling love of family.

Billy Wayne Berry was born January 26, 1941, in Harviell, MO, to Cecil and Agnes Berry, who preceded him in death. He became a Christian while in high school and has been a church member since.

Bill grew up in the Missouri “Boot-Heel” and graduated from Poplar Bluff High School, Poplar Bluff, MO in 1959.

After high school, Bill earned a full athletic scholarship to Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He was an outstanding football player under Coach King Block and ultimately became a 4 year varsity lettermen while playing both offense and defense. Although he excelled at safety, Bill really loved running the football as a running back. He made the college football All Conference Team in 1963 and 1964. Bill also participated for two years on the ASU track team as an accomplished pole vaulter earning a Varsity letters each year. He graduated from Arkansas State University in 1964, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and a minor in Journalism. He married his sweetheart, Beverly Francis Williams in 1965.

Coach Berry began his coaching & teaching career in 1966. He would coach with the same tenaciousness and energy as he always displayed on the football field. He carried his love of the game and leadership skills onto the gridiron and finally walked off the field in 2012 as a life winner, with memories of players and games that made his life complete. Bill deeply believed football was a life builder, teaching and inspiring many life skills, the value of teamwork and spirit, dedication, and hard work to the young men

his life touched. Bill could recite game details and players' names until the end of his life.

Bill’s coaching career started at Steele High School, Steele, MO in 1966. He established their football program fielding their first varsity football team. Following Bill’s second season as head coach of Steele’s newly formed team, they won the district championship. After leaving Steele, Bill returned to his hometown to coach with his former high school coach, Dutch Wyatt at Poplar Bluff (MO) High School.

Bill’s career then took him to Elliston Baptist Academy in Memphis, TN where he again established the football program. While at Elliston, he had great success, winning the conference championship in his second year, with an 11-0 season. While at Elliston, Bill was twice named “Coach of the Year,” by the Tennessee Athletic Association in 1973. He left Elliston due to his wife’s job promotion, and in 1980, the family moved to Clearwater, FL.

While in Florida, Bill would ultimately hold numerous positions to include Head Coach at Countryside Senior High School as well as defensive coordinator at Dixie Hollins High School, Seminole (Sanford) High School, Largo High School, Palm Harbor High School and Clearwater High School.

In 1982, his second year at Countryside High School, Bill was named head football coach, where he remained until 1989.

In 1989, due to his wife’s job promotion, the family moved to Orlando, FL. Bill was named defensive coordinator at Seminole High School in Sanford, FL. There he enjoyed much success and twice made the state playoffs. In 2012, After 42 years of coaching and teaching, Bill walked off the football field and retired. His players and fellow coaches remained in his heart until his death.

Coach Berry was a teacher of physical education, Driver’s education, personal health and weightlifting throughout his career. Although football was his life passion, Bill also coached girls’ basketball and the men’s baseball team at Seminole (Sanford) High. Coach Berry also led his son’s little league football team while in Denver, Colorado to an 8-2 record.

Bill was an extremely loving and devoted husband, father. and grandfather and took great pride in his children, grandchildren, and family. He is survived by his loving wife, Beverly Williams Berry, daughter Kim Berry Mannion of New Port Richey, FL, son Steve C. Berry of Tarpon Springs, FL, and granddaughters,

Laila and Kyndal Mannion of New Port Richey, FL. He was preceded in death by his oldest son, Billy II, who died in 1982. Bill is also survived by niece, Marla Williams Rainey and husband, Steve, of Dexter, MO, and nephew,

Ken Williams of Holiday, FL, whom he held dear their entire lives. Other survivors include his sister, Shirley Harwell and brother, Cledis Berry, both of Poplar Bluff, MO, brother-in-laws, Gary Williams of New Port Richey,

FL, and Justin Williams and wife Emily of Sikeston, MO, sister-in-law, Gina Williams of Largo, FL, and an array of other loving nieces, nephews, and other family members. The Berry family also called many other young people their own, always opening their home to them and instilling love of family.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at Sylvan Abby Funeral Home, Clearwater, FL, Saturday, February 24, 2024. Visitation will begin at 1:00 P.M. and services will begin at 3:00 P.M. Pastor Branson Rogers, Clearwater, FL will officiate the service before the celebration of life.