William Earl Berry

Bill was a true hero that “walked” among us and shared his love and greatness on a daily basis. He was born October 5th, 1939 in Flagstaff, Arizona. He died February 28th in Sacramento, California at the age of 76. He was surrounded by his immediate family.

He graduated in 1957 from Pullman High School in Washington where he won numerous prep football awards as well as outstanding grappler in the state for two years. He continued onto Washington State University and graduated in 1961, with a BA in Business. In 1967, he earned an MBA from Michigan Sate.

Throughout his life, Bill was known as an incredibly strong and determined athlete who defied all barriers and labels. While at WSU, he was starting guard and would follow football season by showing up on the wrestling mat. For two years he ruled the Pacific Coast Conference for his division. Three times he earned trips to the NCAA Championships and twice in 1964 and 1968, he was an alternate for the U.S. Olympic Wrestling Team. He is an honorary inductee in NCAA Wrestling Hall of Fame.

He married his wife, Jeanne Fougere on November 16th, 1963 at LG Hansom Field in Massachusetts. He spent over 8 years in the Air Force from 1962-1970 and continued his wrestling career there as well. He made his home in Sacramento after his honorable discharge from the military. He then became a CPA and entered the accounting and real estate business.

In July 1982, he survived a swimming pool accident that left him a quadriplegic. For 34 years, his fighting spirt continued to keep him going and proving his physical limitations would not get the best of him.

He is survived by his wife Jeanne of 52 years and his three children, Kellie, Karen and Kristen. His son-in-laws, George and Ray and his three grandchildren, Brandon, Nico and Aris. HIs brothers Bob and Jim Berry and his sister Maxine Baldwin. Pre-deceased by his parents Robert and Pearl Berry and sister Louise Boyd.

Services are held at Mount Vernon in Fair Oaks on Monday March 7th at 1:00 PM. Donations can be made in his name at the Beta Leadership Fund www.beta.org.gift.

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