Billy Jim Berry, 79, of Wellsville, passed away on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at Chandler Regional Medical Center in Chandler, Arizona.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Myers Funeral Home in Wellsville, Missouri with Reverend John Foster officiating. Burial will follow in Fairmount Cemetery in Middletown, Missouri.

Visitation will be on Friday, September 20, 2024, from 4-6 p.m. at the funeral home.

Bill was born on October 16, 1944, in Middletown.  He is the youngest son of James and Virgie (Butler) Berry.  On June 28, 1969 he married Edna McCurdy in Middletown, who survives.

A member of the Middletown United Methodist Church since youth, he most recently attended The Light in Wellsville as well as Cornerstone Church in Chandler.  He found great pride in his 33 years of work at the Wellsville Fire Brick Co., and later 7 years at Harbison-Walker in Vandalia, where he was known for his strong work ethic and camaraderie with colleagues.

In his free time, Bill enjoyed hunting turkey and deer, finding peace and exhilaration in the great outdoors. He also had a keen interest in antique tractors and classic cars, often attending tractor pulls, tractor shows, car shows, and sharing his enthusiasm with fellow collectors.  A devoted race fan, Bill could often be found watching NASCAR and NHRA races with his family.

But what he was probably best known for was his generous heart and the gift of conversation, always entertaining with stories and jokes.  He truly never met a stranger, as he always had a way of bringing smiles to others.  He loved spending time and making memories with his family. Mornings in Missouri were often a special time for Bill, as he loved visiting with friends at Arens Garage, where he cherished the friendships and conversations.

Survivors include his loving wife Edna; one daughter Hanna Bass (Lynn) of Sun Lakes, Arizona; three grandchildren Allison Guerra (Nathan) of Mesa, Arizona, Luke Bass of Flagstaff, Arizona, and Dillon Bass, of Sun Lakes, Arizona; twin great-grandsons, Noah and Levi Guerra; five sisters-in-law Emiko Berry of Hawaii, Sue Berry of New Port Richey, Florida, Judy Canterbury (Don) of Wellsville, Vicki Lemasters (Steve) of Mexico, and Debbie Welch of Vandalia; brother-in-law Jim Long of Paris; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers Bob Berry and Karl Berry; his in-laws Ed and Margaret McCurdy; sister-in-law Patti Long; and brother-in-law Allen Welch.

The family requests memorial donations be made to Fairmount Cemetery. Memorials may be sent in care of Myers Funeral Home, 203 E. Bates Street, Wellsville, MO 63384.