Gene Autry Berry, 83, of Houston, Texas, peacefully passed away on July 3rd, 2023.  Gene was born at home to Rhodes Berry and Novella (Dear) Berry in Rusk, Texas on - according to his birth certificate - February 6, 1940. In actuality, and according to his momma, he was born on March 6, 1940.

Gene was raised in Alvin, TX where he loved to roam around hunting birds, fishing the creek and playing baseball. Being the baby of the family, he enjoyed pestering his elder sister Mary and all her dates. He'd charge a quarter to leave them alone. Another pastime was following after his big brothers, Hollis and Wayne. He was preceded in death by all 3 of his siblings and he missed them dearly.

He graduated from Alvin High School, Class of 1958.

After High School he proudly served in the Army National Guard and Active Reserves until 1966.

He studied drafting and engineering at The University of Houston. He worked in the oil & gas industry as a draftsman then as a design engineer since 1960. He began at CB Southern then proceeded to work for PSI and Production Operators. This lead to his favorite years of employment that were spent at The Cynara Company with Ralph Kelly and the gang, who were more like family. He was a well-respected Design Engineer until his retirement from Schlumberger in October 2019, just months shy of his goal of working until he was 80 years old.

Gene married – YES married –

In 1964 Gene married Marget Shuler who gave him his first son, Gene Allen who sadly passed away from SIDS at 3 months of age.

In 1969 he married Jerry Lynn (GG) Wilks with whom he shared Doug, Casey and James.

In 1972 he married Lynda McKinney who gave him Eddie and Chris.

And in 1977 God brought Debbie Smith into his life and they married in 1980. Gene and Debbie enjoyed a wonderful life together for 46 years. Co-parenting their boys with their moms and then welcoming grandchildren Cody (Kristyn), Caleb (Karmyn), Jessica, Sidney, Matthew and McElney. Great-Grandchildren McKinney, Emerson, Tristan Case, Amelia, Casey and Montana (and Carson coming in August)

Gene loved hunting, fishing, camping, gardening and baseball. Especially the Astros. He enjoyed sharing all of those things with his boys and they were some of his favorite memories.

Gene was a renowned prankster and loved to pick on his loved ones. You knew Gene liked you if he picked at you and/or gave you a nickname. Gene was bad at names, so he created unique names for people. These were for co-workers, friends, and family. When the boys began dating, the girlfriends knew he liked them if he lovingly picked at them and gave them a nickname. Just a few names given are Runt, Breeze, Smush Face, Bird-legs, and Limey.

As a result, he was often referred to as Mean Gene. Always with love. Yet there wasn't a mean bone in his body. Everything was always in fun and not hurtful. Gene was the sweetest, kindest and most considerate person. He was unselfish, even to the point of doing without if it meant someone would not.

Perfect? No, and he'd be the first to tell you he wasn't. But he loved big and unconditionally. He loved his family, his co-workers, his friends and he loved God.

Gene met Jesus at a Billy Graham Crusade in Houston when he was 12 years old. Gene liked a church that preached the Bible, but not the fluff. He really enjoyed "church" in the outdoors and on his own. He always said he was closest to God when he was working in his garden or on the water fishing. Gene loved animals and all of God's creation.

Gene is survived by his wife, Debbie Berry; four sons, Doug Berry, Eddie Berry, Chris Berry and James (Susanna) Berry. He is also survived by his Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren (listed above) & numerous nieces and nephews. As well as his bonus son Clinton Stamps & his girls Rorie & Rylie.

Including his parents Gene was preceded in death by his sons, Gene Allen Berry & Jonathan Case Berry; sister, Mary Brown, brothers, Hollis Berry and Wayne Berry.

The family will receive visitors Friday, July 7th, 2023, from 5 pm to 8 pm at Klein Funeral Home, 1400 West Main Street Tomball, Texas 77375.  Funeral Services will be held Saturday, July 8th,2023, at 2 pm at Klein Funeral Home, 1400 West Main Street, with REV. Walter Kahler officiating.  Interment to follow in Klein Memorial Park 2920.

Serving as pallbearers are Cody Berry, Caleb Berry, Matthew Berry, Mike Books, Kevin Books and Kyle Books

Memorial contributions can be made to St Jude's Hospital.