George F. Berry

George was born and raised in Enid, OK. He served in the Army during WWII on the front lines in Europe for which he received the Silver Star and the rank of Staff Sergeant. Following the war, he attended college back in Enid at Phillips University on a basketball scholarship and a loan from his JC Penney’s manager. It is here that he met his future wife of 51 years, Wanda. They then spent the next several years traveling the U.S. exploring for oil with Conoco -- making life-long friends along the way -- Oklahoma, Florida, Wyoming, Texas and Louisiana. Then while in Louisiana, they added a new travel partner, a son, Dave. Shortly thereafter they returned to Texas, then off to California, back through Texas on the way back to Oklahoma and then back to Texas “for a spell” where George moved offshore -- exploring for oil in the Gulf of Mexico. Next came a move to headquarters in Connecticut and the search for oil around the world. When headquarters relocated to Texas, he and Wanda returned to a now very familiar home and George continued his exploration for oil around the world until he retired to be with his lifelong travelling partner through her “travels” with Alzheimer’s. During this time, Dave would marry and he and his wife, Sam, would move next door to build a sort of “family compound” with shared benefits -- dog sitting, computer assistance, “waiting for the cable guy” and a shared pick-up truck. Also during this time Doris joined the family to help George with Wanda and ultimately to help him. It is at the “family compound” where both George and Wanda spent their final days, just as they wished. All the while, George remembered the generosity of his JC Penney’s manager and the difference the college education made for him. As a result, he always tried to help those who needed a little help. Therefore, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, if you like, please make a donation to your favorite charity in his honor.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Tuesday, February 17, 2015, at 12:30 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas.