Thurman Ray Berryhill

Graveside services for Thurman Ray Berryhill, 93, of Nacogdoches, will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 30, 2022, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery with Bro. Jerry Wilson officiating.

Thurman Berryhill was born December 19, 1928, in Nacogdoches, Texas. He was the son of Elbert Berryhill and Lydia Nooner Berryhill. He attended Central Heights High School and graduated in 1946.

After he graduated, he went to work for J.C. Penny and was the manager of the Men’s Department. On January 20, 1951, he married the love of his life, Olene Byrd Berryhill. In April of 1951, he was called to serve in the Army but was discharged in six weeks because of medical problems. He came back to Nacogdoches and went to work for Beall’s Department Store. On June 7, 1956, Thurman and Olene had a daughter, Judy Dianne Berryhill. Tragically, Olene Berryhill passed away on October 26, 1965. Then he met Ettie Jho Wankan and they were married until her death on November 8, 2020.

Thurman worked for Beall’s Department Store for 28 years until he was forced to retire at an early age. It wasn’t until then that he found his passion in life: painting houses. He loved to paint and stayed busy working in his yard and garden. When he was younger, he loved to play the guitar and sing.

Thurman was a deacon at Mahl Baptist Church and attended services every time he could until his health declined.

Thurman is survived by his daughter, Dianne Clark and husband, Jeff of Nacogdoches; grandson, Jody Clark of Nacogdoches; sister, Mildred Beavers of Garrison Nursing Home; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Thurman is preceded in death by his parents, Elbert and Lydia Berryhill; wife, Olene Berryhill; wife, Ettie Jho Berryhill; sisters, Donnie Mayfield, Baby Ruby Berryhill, Bessie Randall, Myrtle Randall, Lilas Mack, Linnie Lunsford, and Annie Winder; and brother, Leon Berryhill.

He will be missed dearly by everyone who knew him.

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