William "Bill" E. Berry, Jr.

William “Bill” Ernest Berry, Jr., 94, was born on August 15, 1930, in Wilson, NC to Frances Irick Berry and William Ernest Berry, Sr. and passed away on September 15, 2024, in Easley, South Carolina. Bill was a beloved husband, father, proud grandfather and great- grandfather, known for his love of family and country, his kind heart, warm laugh, and unwavering integrity.

A decorated graduate of Clemson as a commissioned officer, Bill left college to serve his country in the United States Army during the Korean conflict at a supply depot in Alaska. The time he spent in both college and his military experience further shaped the strong values he held his entire life. Bill dedicated much of his successful professional life as the owner and President of Dixie Greenhouses, a wholesale floral operation in Easley, SC and later of Happy Plants, Inc., a wholesale greenhouse operation with retail locations in Easley, Greer and Simpsonville, SC.

Bill’s passions extended beyond his career; he loved fishing, hunting, gardening, and was an avid sports fan, particularly of Clemson football. Bill was a very good athlete in both football and baseball during his high school years in Elloree, SC, where he spent his childhood years with his family. During his adult life, he loved boating, waterskiing, and tennis. He was a member of The International Brotherhood of Magicians, where he delighted in sharing his magic with children, leaving a lasting impression on their lives.

He is survived by his loving and caring wife of 31 years, Betty J. Berry; his daughter, Bonnie Ann Berry of Greenville, SC; his son, Byron William Berry (Caroline Thayer Berry) also of Greenville, SC; stepson, Thomas Flint Baldwin (Cindy White) of Seneca, SC; grandchildren, Eliza Ann Berry, William Spencer Berry, Brent Christopher Reese (Mollie) of Chapel Hill, NC, Caroline Thayer Patheja (Adam) of Nashville, TN, and Duncan Griffin Reese of Charleston, SC; step-grandchildren, Lauren Ford (Will) of Spartanburg and Lindsay Wicks (Kyle) of Mt. Pleasant, SC; step great-grandchildren, Emmeline, Lilly, Sadie and Hadley; nieces, Karen Martin Brown (Bill) of Holly Hill, SC, and Jan Martin Stoudemire (Frank) of Lonestar, SC, and Tami Collier Bauer (Greg) of Street, MD; nephew, Carl Francis Martin, Jr. (Peggy) of Ridgeland, SC and brother-in-law, John McKeown of FT. Lauderdale.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by two sisters and a brother-in-law, Barbara “Bobbie” Berry Martin (Tilly) and Francis Lynn Berry McKeown, and stepson, Dale Baldwin.

He was deeply involved in his community, having been a member of Kiwanis International and later the Gideons. His faith played an extremely significant role in his life; he taught adult classes at Trinity United Methodist Church in Greenville and was a current member of Rock Springs Baptist Church in Easley. Bill’s legacy of kindness, honesty, and his ability to touch the lives of those around him will forever be remembered by all who knew him. Let us celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will endure for years to come.

The family will be receiving family and friends on Thursday, September 19, 2024, from 5:30 PM until 7:30 PM at Robinson Funeral Home- Powdersville Road. A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024, at 10:00 AM at M.J. Dolly Cooper’s Veterans Cemetery in Anderson, SC.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Teena Chiarello with Interim Hospice for her love and care of Bill.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested by the family to Gideon’s International at www.gideons.org.

Visit www.RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home & Crematory – Powdersville Road, Easley.