William E. "Bill" Berry Jr.

Berry, William E. (Bill) Jr.
88, of Carlsbad, CA passed away on January 26, 2014. Bill was born in Deming, New Mexico on May 7, 1925, the youngest of 6 children. In 1942, while he was a freshman at Phoenix College, he was called to serve in the Navy. Later he received a BS and MA from University of Washington and earned his PhD in Education from Arizona State University. He taught math and science at both Glendale and Washington High Schools and was the principal of Washington High School from 1959 - 1969. He continued his career in education as Dean of Instruction at Glendale Community College through 1971, and went on to act as President of Phoenix College for 17 years. He was an active member of organizations including Sister Cities, The Arizona State Legislature, Kiwanis, and the Arizona-Mexico Commission. After "retiring", he worked as National Chairman of Volunteers for the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C. Bill was preceded in death by his five siblings and his first wife, Alice. He loves and is loved by his wife Conny, his children Peggy Shepherd (Steve), Leigh Ann Carter (Michael), Sandi Crawford (Derek), Tommi Rankin, Cody Rankin, and Zack Rankin, his grandsons Matt Carter, Luke Shepherd (Ali), Nick Shepherd (Katie), Jack Carter, Joe Carter, and Carter Crawford, great-grandchildren Joshua Shepherd, Elzie Shepherd, and Haleigh Shepherd, his precious nieces and nephews, and an abundance of treasured neighbors and friends. Bill was a life-long educator and learner. He influenced countless people with his integrity and his commitment to education. He demonstrated the highest dedication to service and caring for others in everything he did. He had a deep impact on the people in his life. A Celebration of Life will be held in the near future, both in California and Arizona. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Red Cross.