David H. Berryhill, Jr. (Dave), 77, died Wednesday, September 19 after a 12-year hard-fought struggle with COPD. Dave was the oldest child of David H. and Goldie Berryhill. He was born in Chickasha, OK in 1941. His family moved to Oklahoma City with his dad’s work in time for Dave to start first grade. He graduated from Capitol Hill High School in 1959, where he was on the 1957 and 1958 state championship football teams. In 2002, he was named to the Capitol Hill High School Activities Association Hall of Fame. After attending two years of college at Northeastern State University on a baseball scholarship, he transferred to the University of Oklahoma where he completed his education. During his senior year he was selected as OU’s Student Ambassador under the People-to-People international program. Under that program he spent a summer living with families in Germany and absorbing European culture and history. He often described this as the most transformative event of his life. Dave retired from FAA in Oklahoma City after a 33 year career working with computers. In retirement Dave enjoyed golf, playing competitive bridge, traveling, Thunder basketball and being with his family and friends. Also Dave particularly enjoyed watching old western movies, especially those starring John Wayne. Dave married Lynnda (Stieglitz) Ward on January 2, 1981.
Dave is survived by his wife Lynnda, of the home; his daughter Diedra Gordon, of Moore, OK; his grandson Payton Gordon, of Moore, OK; his brother Dub Berryhill and his wife Fran, of Oklahoma City; his nephews Rodney and Brett Berryhill and Brett’s wife Jama; as well as numerous much-loved cousins. His parents preceded him in death, as well as his brother Jeffrey Berryhill. Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 25 from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. at Church of the Servant, 14343 N. MacArthur Blvd. with the funeral service beginning at 2:00 P.M. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens, Oklahoma City. Memorial remembrances may be made to the American Lung Association, 730 W. Wilshire, Suite 105, Oklahoma City, 73120, or the charity of choice.