William O'Berry Obituary

O'Berry, William Bryan Jr., known throughout his childhood as "Billy" and lovingly as "Bill" in adulthood, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at St. Anthony's Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida - the same hospital where he was born on September 1, 1939. He was 86 years old.

Bill was the son of William Bryan O'Berry Sr. and Jessie Belle DeVane, and the grandson of St. Petersburg pioneers John Jordan "JJ" O'Berry and Emma Candace Blanton, who moved from Blanton, Florida, to St. Petersburg in 1900. He grew up surrounded by deep roots, strong family ties, and a community his family helped build.

He was a proud graduate of Northeast High School, Class of 1957 - one of the school's earliest graduating classes. Shortly after, Bill honorably served in the United States Army from 1960 to 1966. Following his service, he built a long and successful 39-year career with GTE.

In 1966, Bill married the love of his life, Madaline Salas, and together they raised five children. Their adventures included a memorable two-year chapter living in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, from 1975 to 1977 - a time their family forever cherished.

Bill possessed endless curiosity, creativity, and skill. He was an artist who enjoyed Sumi painting, a musician who played piano and guitar and loved to sing, and a natural tinkerer who once built his own television from a HeathKit. He delighted friends and family with magic tricks, and he could fix anything put in front of him. A naturalist at heart, Bill knew every plant in his garden and every bird by its call. He loved camping, hiking, canoeing, and simply being outdoors.

A devoted community volunteer, Bill spent 18 years serving with the Boy Scouts, sharing his love of nature and adventure while helping to shape the lives of countless young people. His dedication led him on many memorable trips, including training for and hiking portions of the Appalachian Trail and exploring the wilderness of Canada. He was a faithful member of the Primitive Baptist church and a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).

Above all, Bill was a family man - loving, loyal, kind, and endlessly dependable. He adored his wife, cherished his children, and had a special fondness for babies, children, and dogs. He was hardworking, generous with his time, and able to strike up a conversation with anyone.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife, Madaline O'Berry, and their beloved children, April Wood (K.C. Wood), Darren O'Berry (Lori O'Berry), Cole O'Berry (Dorothy O'Berry), Tracy Kelso (Todd Kelso), James O'Berry (Megan O'Berry).

He was a proud grandfather to Bryan O'Berry (Lindsay), Gavin O'Berry (Briana), Meaghan Tsai (Charlie), Kirsten Kelso (Casey), Corey Kelso (Erica), Kendal Wood (Austin), Morgan Wood, Colin O'Berry, Owen O'Berry, Will O'Berry, and Wesley O'Berry.

He was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren, Cayson O'Berry, Easton O'Berry, Sailor O'Berry, Caleb O'Berry, Olivia O'Berry, Elijah O'Berry, and Parker Steiniger, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws - too numerous to name but deeply loved.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William and Jessie O'Berry, and his sisters, Barbara O'Berry Taber-Lang and June O'Berry Cady.

A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Sunshine Center, 330 5th St. N., in St. Petersburg, FL at (time). A reception will take place immediately following.

To honor Bill's lifelong love of nature and his commitment to youth development, the family suggests memorial donations to:

Tampa Bay Scouting - tampabayscouting.org

A Living Tribute - shop.alivingtribute.org

Bill lived a life filled with purpose, curiosity, and love. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the young lives he influenced, and the many people he touched simply by being himself.

View Guest Book www.tampabay.com/obits