OBITUARY

William Thomas (“Bill”) DeBerry II

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Comforted by family and surrounded in God’s love, William Thomas (Bill) DeBerry II passed in peace on October 15, 2024, at the age of 90. Bill was born in Gonzales, Texas on August 26, 1934, to William Thomas (W.T.)  and Lois DeBerry and was the second of 4 children.  He was preceded in death by his “Love”, wife Barbara Ann (Turek) DeBerry, parents, brother David Wayne DeBerry, and father and mother-in-law Otto and Bessie Turek.   

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Tim Hubert and his son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Cindy DeBerry.  He was a devoted and fun “Bull” to his precious grandchildren Kyle DeBerry, Cole and Courtney DeBerry, and Alexandria (DeBerry) and Tyler Beede; and his great-grandsons, Dawson Ryder DeBerry and Beaux Diesel Beede. He was a good and, sometimes mischievous, brother to sisters, Dorothy (DeBerry) and Billy Yager and Shirley (DeBerry) and H.D. McCarty, and sister-in-law, Judy DeBerry. He was always “DeBerry” to his brothers-in-law, Michael and Karen Turek, and Billy and Patty Turek.  And he was “Uncle Bill” to so many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews that loved being with him on family occasions.

Bill was a man of service to his Lord, his family, and his friends. His deep faith was evident through his actions rather than words. He contributed to his church in countless ways, but his favorite aspect was worship through song. In his early years, he led the choir and congregational singing at Eastside Baptist Church, and later, he and Barbara joined the congregation in song and worship at the First Methodist Church. Bill knew every verse of every hymn by heart and was known to break into song during both happy and sad times.

He cherished his home, which was not just his place of work but his sanctuary. He and Barbara worked tirelessly on home improvement projects (her idea), and he enjoyed the peace and comfort of just “being at home”.  He lovingly raised kids, hogs, chickens, turkeys, and eventually cattle. His affection for his cows was unparalleled; whenever he was missing, Barbara knew he could be found in the pasture, either feeding them or simply enjoying the sight of new calves with their mothers.

His home was a welcoming haven for family and friends. For the grandkids, time spent with “Bull” was filled with precious memories: fishing and hunting with Kyle and Cole, “announcing” grandkids as they jumped over 1000 times off the diving board, having tea parties with Allie and her dolls and teaching her to ride a horse, chores that he made fun, hosting weenie roasts, and always being a supportive presence at football and baseball games.

Bill was kind, a good listener, and was a selfless man who always prioritized others, offering a helping hand to family and neighbors whenever needed. Friends often remarked on his unwavering support, noting that he never sought help in return. He was a pillar of strength, providing gentle comfort and prayers during times of loss. He quietly did the things that mattered, never seeking recognition or praise and that has given him a special place in so many hearts.

The DeBerry family would like to thank the caretakers in Daddy’s life the last 3 years. Our special thanks to Laura Ramirez for being with us at home and the entire Heights of Gonzales staff and the ones that were there for us every minute of every day for two years:  Flo, Sylvia, Yvonne, Alice, Stephani, Dorothy, Sheila, Maria, Barbara, Mandy, Cynthia, Melanie, Christy, Carla, Kylie, and Kayla.  We thank you for your love, support, and respect. You made this time better for “our hero.”

Graveside services to celebrate Bill’s life will be at Denton Creek Cemetery in Gonzales at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 18, 2024, with Dr. Matt Pennington officiating. Pallbearers:  Kyle DeBerry, Cole DeBerry, Tyler Beede, Michael Turek II, Larry Yager, John Yager, and Jene Allen Dreyer, Jr. Honorary pallbearers:  Jene Allen Dreyer, Sr., Billy Yager, and James Tharp. A visitation and lunch to follow at the First Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home, Gonzales, Texas. Thoughts and memories may be shared on the William T. DeBerry obituary page located through www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com.

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