William Frank Berry was born in Heath, Texas, in 1921. He was reared in a large family and taught to work at an early age. The family earned their living farming. He married Juanita Belt in 1940 and moved to Mesquite in 1946 with his wife and one-year-old daughter, Sandra. Their son, Joe, was born next year. Frank was a devoted father and husband.
Frank received his training in criminal law enforcement while working with the Mesquite Police Department, by completing a course at Texas A & M University Engineering Extension Service. He was later promoted to Assistant Chief of Police.
In 1970, Frank was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4, Dallas County. Judge Berry attended and satisfactorily completed the Justice of the Peace Institute at Texas A & M University TEA Vocational Division. Throughout his years in office, he also completed a twenty hour course of study annually. Judge Berry received many awards and recognition of his service to his community. Judge Berry retired after twenty years of service.
Frank's greatest joy was the time he spent with his family and friends. He was an avid sportsman and loved spending time fishing and hunting with his sons and grandsons. He adored his grandchildren Amy, Lindsay, Kyle, Jared, daughter Sandra and her husband Vance, son Joe and his wife Shirley. These times together were always special. He also loved being an active member of Mimosa Lane Baptist Church.
Judge Berry died in 1994, survived by his wife, Juanita, daughter Sandra, son Joe and four precious grandchildren. Copyright © 1997-2009
Judge Berry was always supportive of education and appreciative of the work done by the Mesquite ISD Board of Trustees. He believed that children are the hope of the future.
