David Berry

David Michael Berry, 83, passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 14, 2026.

David was born on October 9, 1942, in Winters, Texas, to James Theodore “Jim” Berry and Virginia Odom Berry, later Virginia Berry Payne. He graduated from Ballinger High School and earned a Bachelor of Industrial Management from Texas Tech University in 1964, with a minor in industrial engineering.

David began his career in plant management, managing lead-smelting operations for RSR Corporation, Murph Metals, and Chloride. In 1986, following the death of his stepfather, Elmer Young Payne, he moved to Abilene to be closer to his mother. He opened Berry’s Discount Warehouse, later known as Berry’s Tires, which he owned and operated with his wife, Kay, and son, Doug, until August 2008.

David then began his third career as a correctional officer at the Robertson Unit in Abilene. He retired after 10 years of service.

His first wife, Sandra Houser “Kay” Berry, preceded him in death in 2017. He later married Worth Ann Strada Berry.

David was also preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather; his sister, Barbara Berry Lankford; and her husband, L. K. Lankford.

He is survived by his wife, Worth Ann “Ann” Berry of Lubbock; his son, Doug Berry of Abilene; his daughter, Shannon Berry of Florence, Mississippi; and numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.

More than anything, David enjoyed sitting with family at his home at Lake Fort Phantom Hill, talking and telling stories. He attended Nugent Church of Christ and was a diligent student of the Bible. He sought to live as Christ taught by helping those less fortunate and loving his neighbors.

In accordance with David’s wishes, no service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to National Public Radio or the American Cancer Society.