Roll Call Tribute

Billy Gene Berny 

February 2, 1956 - October 17, 2024 

Billy Gene Berny, 68, of Abilene, Texas left this life due to complications from lymphoma treatment. He gained his heavenly reward, leaving this life in the presence of loved ones on Thursday, October 17, 2024 in UT Southwestern Clements Hospital, in Dallas, Texas.

Visitation will be Tuesday, October 22, from 5-7pm at Hamil Family Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at Highway 36 Church of Christ with Greg Melton, Terry Chrane, and Bo Shero officiating. Burial will follow at Potosi Cemetery. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene, Texas.

Billy was born in Edinburg, Texas to H.W. "Bill" Berny and Annie Agnes Johnson Berny on February 2, 1956, the 8th of 9 children. Growing up on a dairy, he graduated from Donna High School in 1974. He then went on to earn his bachelor's degree in Agricultural Education from Texas A&M University and was the proudest member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of 1978. He married Jan Elizabeth Gilmore on July 29, 1978 in College Station, Texas. He worked in a variety of marketing and regulatory positions for Central Power & Light, West Texas Utilities, and later American Electric Power before retiring after 35+ years. He was an active member of local organizations in every city in which he lived (including Laredo, Bay City, Uvalde, and Corpus Christi).

Since moving to Abilene in 1992, he was most recently involved with the Abilene A&M Club, the Abilene Celebration Singers Chorus, and most importantly the church family at Highway 36 Church of Christ where he served as an elder for 27 years. He loved to lead singing, teach Bible classes, and serve in a number of ways. Billy spent his favorite time traveling with Jan, riding on his tractor, working on home projects, sipping coffee on the back porch and keeping up with his 6 granddaughters. He loved studying God's word and serving others.

Pallbearers are Dan Southall, Zach Hayhurst, Ty Wilson, Chase Fortune, Cody Gee, Monty Ellis. Honorary pallbearers are Jimmy McElreath and Mark Reeder.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Annie Berny, and siblings Sonny, Kenneth, Barbara, and Chesler.

Billy is survived by his wife Jan; children Donna Ritter and husband Paul, Melissa Shaner and husband David, Matthew Berny and wife Nicole; siblings Mary Rydl (Alamo, TX), Charles Berny (Boerne, TX), Dorothy Fabian (McAllen, TX), and Doug Berny (Franklin, TN); grandchildren Morgan (15), Allie (13), Leah (11), Madison (8), Peyton (3), Brooke (1) and grandson #1 (due in December); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Memorials may be given to: Cherokee Children's Home, Cherokee, TX; Hwy 36 Church of Christ, Abilene, TX; Foster's Home for Children, Stephenville, TX.