USAF Brigadier General William M Berry, Jr. (Ret.)

William "Bill" McDowell Berry, Jr., often affectionately known as Billy and called "Bubba" by his siblings, age 92, of Newnan, Georgia, passed away on January 4, 2026.

A graveside service with full military honors will be Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Walker Family Cemetery on Arsenal Ave. A reception will immediately follow at the fellowship hall of Reid Memorial Presbyterian on Walton Way.

Born in Augusta, Georgia, in 1933, Bill was the son of Anne and Bill Berry. The family's home was close to Daniel Field airport; this proximity fueled at an early age a passion for planes and flying that would shape his entire life. At just fifteen years old, he cleaned hangars and airplanes at Daniel Field in Augusta in exchange for flying lessons. As a Civil Air Patrol exchange student, Bill was selected to travel to Switzerland, where he learned to fly gliders-an experience that further heightened his love of flight. 

After graduating from the Academy of Richmond County, Bill attended the University of Georgia, where he earned a BA and received his commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He served five years on active duty before joining the 158th Tactical Fighter Interceptor Squadron of the Georgia Air National Guard in Savannah. In 1968, he received an MA from George Washington University, concurrently graduating from the Air Command and Staff College. He was later reassigned to the 116th Tactical Fighter Group at Dobbins Air Force Base, where his leadership and dedication led to his appointment as Wing Commander of the 116th Tactical Fighter Wing. Promoted to Brigadier General, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff at the Georgia Air National Guard Headquarters. He continued his commitment to aviation, retiring as Acting Manager of the Flight Standards Division of the Federal Aviation Administration's Southern Region. Bill's career was marked by exceptional leadership, integrity, and a lifelong devotion to aviation. 

Over the course of his distinguished career, Bill logged more than 7,000 hours in military aircraft, flying the F-86 and F-100 fighter aircraft, as well as the C-124 and C-97 airlift aircraft. In recognition of his service, he received the Legion of Merit, the nation's second-highest award for meritorious military achievement. 

Bill was married to his beloved wife, Jane Marschalk Berry, for 70 years-a partnership marked by faith, adventure, and steadfast devotion to family. Together, they built a life rooted in service, generosity, and love. 

He is survived by his wife, Jane; sister: Sue Berry McMurray of Durham, NC; brother: L. Reab Berry (Joy) of Augusta, GA; daughter: Julia Berry Heflin (Hugh) of Jackson Gap, AL; sons: William M. Berry, III (Anne) of Newnan, GA, and John M. Berry (Kim) of Florence, SC. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Hubert L. "Trey" Heflin, III of Jackson Gap, AL; Rachael Heflin Jones (Brandon) of Dadeville, AL; Ellis Berry McEntire (Clay) of Newnan, GA; William M. Berry, IV (Ciara) of Brevard, NC; Frank J. Berry (Cameron Ann) of Newnan, GA; John M. Berry, Jr. (Carola) of Rome, Italy; Wesley G. Berry of Arvada, CO; Daniel F. Berry of Denver, CO; Alexa Hall Kerth (Trent) of Newport Beach, CA, and Taylor Hall of Charleston, SC. He was the proud great-grandfather of ten great-grandchildren: Vivian and Remy Jones, Riley and Davis Heflin, Greer and Annie McEntire, McLain and Liam Berry, and Isobel Jane and Frank Berry. 

A man of deep faith, Bill was a devoted member of Newnan Presbyterian Church, where he served as a Deacon and an Elder, participated in mission trips, and sang faithfully in the church choir for many years. Known for his quiet generosity and attentiveness to the needs of others, he met people where they were and offered help without hesitation. 

An avid outdoorsman, Bill found joy hiking, canoeing, and biking. He and Jane rode in the Bicycle Ride Across Georgia (BRAG) for many years, often sharing the experience with their grandchildren. Bill participated in many camping trips and led biking activities with the Boy Scouts of Troop 41 in Newnan and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. 

Family was at the heart of Bill's life. Always active in the lives of his children and grandchildren, he organized many adventures, hiking and biking, ski trips and rafting trips. In retirement, he and Jane spent many cherished years at his family's 100-year-old vacation home, "HiLo," in Edneyville, NC, where they welcomed family and friends and created lasting memories. 

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William M. Berry of Augusta, GA, and by his aunt, Laura Reab Bowen of Augusta, GA. 

A memorial service was held at Newnan Presbyterian Church on January 24th at 11:00 am, followed by a reception in the Barrow Fellowship Hall. In 

lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following organizations: Newnan Presbyterian Church 38 Greenville Street P.O. Box 1107 Newnan, GA 30264 newnanpres.org or Walker Family Cemetery℅ Russell Shearer, Treasurer Walker Family Cemetery 626 Boeckh Street, North Augusta, SC 29841, walkerfamilycemetery.org or Edneyville United Methodist Church P.O. Box 87, Edneyville, NC 28727.