William Dee Berry

William Dee Berry, known by those who loved him simply as D, passed away peacefully at home with his family and friends by his side on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at age 68, following a courageous two-year battle with illness. The world lost a one-of-a-kind thinker and independent spirit.

D is survived by his devoted wife and partner of 21 years, Dawn Bell, his two daughters Layne and Myla, two sweet dogs Penny and Albie, and a large loving group of friends and extended family including lifelong friends Jay Streckfuss and KC Jobe whom he loved like brothers.

He is preceded in death by his beloved brother, Drew Berry, his father, Agee Berry, and his loving mother, Lou Ray Berry, whom D tenderly cared for in the final years of her life.

D was born on August 4, 1958 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Lou Ray and Agee Berry and spent his early childhood in Burris, Louisiana until the age of six, when his family moved to Houston, Texas. A happy childhood filled with riding his bike outside and many years in Boy Scouts. D’s artistic gifts were clear from a young age, attending The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and then Stephen F. Austin State University, where he majored in Theater.

He spent much of his life working in the arts including KTRE in Lufkin, and in Houston’s Theatre District as a proud member of IATSE Local 51. He also spent many years at Region 4 Education Service Center for HISD helping to establish media programs in schools. He ended his career working with the Houston Grand Opera before his retirement in 2023.

D was passionate about media and technology, producing programming and building websites on the early internet. He founded Houston’s first online radio station, Localsounds.net pirate radio where he put on live shows of local bands and even produced a sci-fi radio opera. He also produced various videos for broadcast television. He created a spoken word video celebrating local skate group, The Urban Animals, and he worked on a short television special that was selected to air on KPRC before a Rockets championship game.

D lived his life with an open hand, loving his neighbors truly as he loved himself. He was the ultimate friend, the kind who never waited to be asked for help, but simply showed up and offered it. This generous spirit also shone brightly through his volunteer work, including his time spent with the March of Dimes and the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethon.

D was an animated storyteller with many vibrant stories and jokes to tell. Throughout his journey, he crossed paths with prominent figures like George and Barbara Bush, Al Gore, Harry Connick Jr., and even walked a fashion runway alongside Naomi Campbell. Over the years, he also met Maya Angelou on multiple occasions and was deeply moved that she invariably recalled his name each time. D held everyone in equal regard, offering the same genuine warmth, respect, and kindness to global icons as he did to any stranger.

D always wanted a family and was able to find that joy through Dawn, Layne, and Myla. He showed his patience during late nights working on science fair projects. His dependability, driving long hours on family roadtrips with everyone, including the dogs, piled into the car. And his sensitivity, watching his girls graduate from high school and college with tears in his eyes.

We love and miss you, D. We’ll carry your generous and creative spirit with us forever.

A graveside service for D will be held on Saturday October 24th, 2026, 2pm at Berry Cemetery, 4303 FM 842 in Lufkin, TX 75901. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held in Houston, TX at a later date, to be announced.

D’s lifelong dream was to retire to a farm where he would start a senior dog sanctuary. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Crooked Creek Kennels & Moses House, a non-profit dog shelter and rescue in D’s honor.

Donate at the link– https://www.crookedcreekkennels.com/