Extracted from The Houston Chronicle (Houston, TX)
BYRON THOMAS BERLY, age 61, died Thursday, February 1, 2007, after a long, well fought battle with cancer. He will be remembered as the world's greatest Longhorn fan, a world champion BBQ team member, an avid reader, but above all in the role he cherished most, that of a proud father.
He is survived by his son, Brett Berly; his brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Gretchen Berly; his nieces, Laurie Stevens and her husband Scott; Lissa Purcell and her husband Gary; Kristin Qualls and her husband Chris; and his nephew Lance Odiorne and his wife Denesa; brother-in-law Jim Odiorne and his wife Kay; as well as numerous grand-nieces and nephews.
We know Tom will be happy to see his beloved parents, Bettie Jean and Jack, and his sister, Janice Odiorne, in the next life.
The family is especially grateful to Tom's pastor, Mr. Lowell Whited, Mr. Bill Philips, Mr. Howard Philips, Mr. Bob Moers, Mr. Phil Herman, and Drs. Martha Mims and Holly Holmes of Baylor College of Medicine.
The family will be holding a private ceremony, but would like to invite all who knew Tom to join them at Molina's Restaurant, 7901 Westheimer, on Saturday, February 10, 2007, at 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. to share their memories and a Berly's Burrito.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, 1250 Fourth Street, Santa Monica, California, 90401.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007