William "Bill" Leon Berryhill

In Loving Memory of William Leon Berryhill

April 25, 1953 – June 17, 2026

William Leon Berryhill lived a life defined by service, determination, adventure, and, above all, love for his family.

Born on April 25, 1953, William was one of seven children and learned early the values of resilience, loyalty, and hard work that would guide him throughout his life. He was already a well-versed world traveler before graduating from South San High School and answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy in 1972.

For the next 20 years, William proudly served in the United States Navy. He rose through the ranks to retire as a Senior Chief in 1992. During this time, he served as a Boiler Technician, a radio disc jockey in Antarctica, a policeman in California, and circumnavigated the globe several times while enjoying port calls in countries most people only read about. The Navy was more than a career, it was a brotherhood and a way of life that took him across the world and shaped the steady, capable leader so many came to know and respect.

Retirement from the military did not slow him down. William possessed an entrepreneurial spirit and a talent for building things from the ground up. Over the years, he pursued numerous business ventures, eventually creating C and B Pools and Tejas Soap Shop. He believed in hard work, self-reliance, and leaving things and people better than he found them.

William dedicated countless hours as a volunteer firefighter, answering calls whenever his community needed him. His fellow firefighters knew him as a dependable leader, and he proudly served as the last Chief of the Northwest Volunteer Fire Department. Whether wearing a Navy uniform, running a business, or responding to an emergency call, William could always be counted on to step forward when others needed help.

Of all the titles he carried throughout his life, the ones he treasured most were husband, father, and grandfather.

For 27 years, he shared a loving marriage with his wife, Liliana. Together they built a life filled with laughter, challenges overcome, and memories that will be cherished forever. William was deeply proud of his children—Patrick Berryhill (Haley), Amanda Chouinard (Jamie), Shaun Berryhill, and Cassandra Berryhill—and found immense joy in watching them grow into the people they are today.

Nothing brought a smile to his face quite like his grandchildren: Christopher, Rosalyn, Brianna, Orion, Connor, and the soon to come Amelia. They were a source of endless pride, and he loved sharing stories, wisdom, and special moments with each of them.

William was preceded in death by his mother, Marianne Cash; his brother, Jim; and his sisters, Judy and Sandy. He leaves behind his father, Kenneth Cash (Shirley); his brothers, Bob (Chris), Doug (Turin), and Larry (Mimi); as well as a large extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends scattered across the globe.

Those who knew William will remember his strength, his sense of humor, his willingness to lend a hand, and his ability to make friends wherever life took him. He was a man who lived fully, worked tirelessly, served honorably, and loved deeply.

His story is not measured simply by the years he lived, but by the lives he touched, the family he cherished, and the legacy of service and kindness he leaves behind.

Though he is no longer with us, his lessons, his laughter, and his love will remain in our hearts forever.

Fair winds and following seas, Senior Chief. Your watch is complete.