George A. Berry, Jr.

October 26, 1923 - October 1, 2012

George Roland Berry Jr. was born December 26, 1923 in Verdigris, Ok. The son of George Roland and Annie Maude (Van- Why) Berry. He died October 1, 2012 at Saint Francis Hospital, Tulsa at the age of 88. George attended school in Tulsa and worked on the farm to help provide for the family. In August 1942 at the age of 18 George joined the United States Marine Corps. He was assigned to the 2nd Marine Div .during WW ll. George earned the Purple Heart while participating in campaigns in the Pacific Islands. George completed his military service in August 1946. Semper Fiâ?¦..While stationed in California George met the love of his life, Vida May Richardson of El Cajon California. They were married after the war and made their home in Tulsa where they began their family. In 1954 George got involved coaching little league baseball and basketball at Saints Peter & Paul school in Tulsa. He loved working with kids, teaching them the fundamentals of the game. He taught his teams to always give 100%, the importance of teamwork and to always show good sportsmanship. George was not only involved in coaching he was also instrumental in providing kids a place to play. When the new church was built at Saints Peter & Paul, George helped convert the old church into a basketball court. He helped seal the concrete layout the court and built the goal supports that are still used today. When the baseball fields needed improvement George helped with the welding and extension of the backstops. For over 20 years you could find George on a baseball field or in the gym working with kids and enjoying every minute of it. He was truly blessed with patience.   George worked as a skilled machinist, precision lathe operator and electrician.   He retired while working as a maintenance supervisor and facilities manager.   After retiring George pursued several hobbies and interests. Gardening was not only a passion it was a gift. George always had a garden, his green thumb always led to an abundance of vegetables. In his early years the garden was a necessity and eventually it became his hobby. His favorite vegetable was tomatoes. One season several years ago his backyard garden produced several hundred lbs of tomatoes. He gave most of these away to friends and neighbors some he sold in 3lb bags, George became affectionately known as the â??Tomatoe Manâ? . George was not a man to sit for very long unless it was at the end of a fishing pole. He also enjoyed a good laugh a practical joke now and then, country music and dancing. Somehow he found time for wood working and later quilting. In 1996 George met Glatha Codrey, They were married in 2002. Glatha introduced him to quilting. They enjoyed many hours together making quilts.   The quilts were made with love and many of them were given to family and friends including some very special quilts made for the DAV to be used for fundraising raffles and friends at the VA. George would always be there if someone needed help, He would bring food if you were hungry, clothes and quilts if you were cold, take you some where if you needed a ride, fix a leak at the sink or a door on your house. He would leave you with a smile.   If you asked him how he was doing He would ususally respond â??Iâ??m Still kickingâ?¦just not very highâ? If you asked him how he was feeling his reponse Might be â??Finer than Frog Hairâ?Â If you ever asked George if he needed something chances are he would say â?Get Me A Nickles Worth of Five Dollar Billsâ? George would never COMPLAIN if something was bothering himâ?¦â?¦.He would just get the job done and it would be done right! Always with a smile on his face. WE WILL MISS YOU!!!!!!!!!!!    George is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Vida May (Susie), a son Lawrence Paul, siblings Richard, John, James Thomas, Edgar, Howard, Newton, Nadine and Geraldine. He is survived by his Sons; George lll and wife RoAnna, Dale, David and Arthur. 15 grandchildren and 20 Great Grandchildren, Wife Glatha of the home and step children Larry Sullivan and wife Connie, Skeeter Smallwood and Pam Sullivan including 4 Grandchildren and 9 Great Grandchildren.