Thural "T." Berry

1932 - 2015

Thural " T " Berry
Nov 24, 1932~March 31, 2015
Martinez
Thural, 'T'. Berry passed away on March 31. T was born in Success, Arkansas and attended High School in Corning, Arkansas, graduating in 1950. A small stint as a pipe fitters apprentice convinced T to join the Navy and 'see the world' which is exactly what he did. He sailed to Hawaii, Japan, Korea and various ports in the Pacific. While on leave in Port Chicago California, he met and married Maryellen Regester. They had three children together but divorced in 1966.
T studied nights while working for Shell Oil, and soon became a Contra Costa Sheriff Deputy. His beats included most of Contra Costa County, and he was assigned to the work farm in Clayton, before being assigned to the Delta Boat Patrol. He found that the Delta Patrol was badly in need of updating, and worked diligently to increase the amount of boats and Deputy Sheriffs on the water. His efforts were recognized by the Sheriff and one of the new boats was christened "T Berry", an honor he was proud of all of his life.
Never one to let dust gather under his boot heels, T retired the Sheriffs Dept in 1988, and began working for the City of Martinez. He worked there from 1988 until 1993.
T loved horses and in 1967 was President of the Martinez Horsemen's Association. He always loved animals and was never happier than when he was working outside. He spent many hours with the Martinez Horsemen's Association, helping to maintain and rebuild the current Waterfront Equestrian Park Arena. He rode frequently until his aged horse passed away, but he enjoyed being with his friends horses nearly as much.T made friends everywhere he went. He was a character with a happy twinkle in his blue eyes and a ready story on his lips. He never looked back, but always looked to the future. He loved his family and his pets, especially his little dog Winston. Thural is survived by his wife Barbara Lee Berry, children Barbara Liane Glenn, William W Berry, Laura Jean Cardoza , Eric Berry and Matthew Berry. He also has five grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of his life April 25, 11:00 AM at Connolly and Taylor Funeral Home, 4000 Alhambra Ave, Martinez. All are also invited to join us in remembering T.Berry afterward at the Martinez Horsemen's Association Waterfront Arena at the end of Joe DiMaggio Dr. for a catered picnic.