William E. Beery

William E. Beery, born in Lansing, Michigan on May 25, 1933, died at home surrounded by his family on August 18, 2018 after a courageous 9-month battle with cancer.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Nancy, his children Kelly (John) Marsiano, Hixon, TN, son Kevin, Park City, UT and grandchildren, Christopher and Angelina Marsiano, Hixson, TN.

Bill served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Afterward, he attended Michigan State University and graduated with degrees in Landscape Architecture. For 43 years, he taught Landscape Architecture as a professor in the College of Environment and Design at the University of Georgia. During his tenure, he was called upon in 1973 to design and develop the site plan for what is now the State Botanical Garden of Georgia.

Prior to and after retirement, Bill and his wife have enjoyed the past 25 years both at their farm in Lexington, GA and spending summers at their lake house in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Bill was also as artist who was commissioned to draw campus scenes for display in the Academic Building commemorating UGA’s bicentennial in 1985. Additionally, his pen and ink and pencil drawings have been displayed in multiple UGA campus buildings, in local Athens publications and in national publications. Later in life, he began wood carving, creating canes, walking sticks and caricatures.

An avid outdoorsman, Bill enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing, deer hunting and, of course, University of Georgia football.

He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and former students.

Memorial services to celebrate Bill’s life will be held 5PM, Wednesday August 22, 2018 at Winterville United Methodist Church with Pastor John Merk and Rev. Tac Coley officiating. The family will receive friends from 4-5PM just before the service in the Winterville United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall on the lower level of the church.

Memorials can be made in Bill’s memory to Republic United Methodist Church, PO Box 395 Republic, MI 49879 or to Winterville United Methodist Church, PO Box 30 Winterville, GA 30683.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is assisting the family of William E. Beery.