of Conway, AR
December 12, 1944 - October 15, 2024
Stuart Lyle Berryhill died Tuesday afternoon, October 15, 2024 at Salem Place Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Conway, AR. He passed in comfortable peace, surrounded by his beloved wife and their three children.
Stu was born on December 12, 1944 to Lyle ''Buck'' Berryhill and Viola Ruth Berryhill in Cleveland, OK. In 1962, Stu graduated from Cleveland High School and went on to attend the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville on a full scholarship. Stu played cornerback for the Razorback Football team from 1963 (Shoats) to 1966 and lettered each of his four years with the Hogs, his class establishing a record of 29-3 from 1964 to 1966. In 1964 their team went undefeated, winning the National Championship in football.
They won every game they played versus the University of Texas.
Stu graduated with a bachelor's degree in kinesiology in 1966 and immediately went to work as a roughneck in Alaska. When the job there was completed, Stu returned to northwest Arkansas and took a position as an educator with the Job Corps teaching driving and swimming. Stu taught at the Cass, AR site until 1975, when he took a position with the U.S. Federal Government in Little Rock, AR as an educational special coordinator for the U.S. Army where he arranged and enabled access for students attending high schools in the southern U.S. to take the ASVAB military aptitude test. Stu served in this position until his retirement in 2003.
On March 30, 1985, Stu married his one true love, Carolyn. Together they've faced the storms of chaos life brings to those willing to undertake the challenges: children raised, fences mended, bridges built, houses made into homes, knowing when and when not to ''horse it'', bad puns uttered, parents passing on, grandchildren welcomed (and spoiled), trips taken, feral cats dropping down chimneys when least expected and games and performances enjoyed.
As a lifelong avid fisherman, Stu never let anything as unimportant as weights, lengths or facts get in the way of what will always stand as some of the best fish stories told. To any naysayers of Stu's tales of tall fish, please remember there are actual unedited pictures to back the existence of many of these aquatic monsters. And at least one ''Looneeum Fence''.
Stuart Lyle Berryhill is preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Glenn Riley and brother-in-law, Mike Rollins. He is survived by Carolyn Riley Berryhill, his wife of 39 years. Stu is also survived by his mother-in-law, Ruby Riley of Overland Park, KS; two sisters, Kay Rollins of Overland Park, KS; Michele ''Mikie'' Garrison (Bill) of Jenks, OK; sister-in-law, Margaret Schung (Matthew) of Overland Park, KS and Nancy Russell (Greg) of Overland Park, KS. Additionally, Stu is survived by a son, Stuart Buck Berryhill (Ruthie) of North Little Rock, AR; two daughters, Karin Brooke Berryhill of Little Rock, AR and Megan Ann Berry (Wade) of Conway, AR; as well as seven grandchildren, Tristan Hoofman of Bella Vista, AR; Conall Berryhill of North Little Rock, AR; Caitlin Berryhill of North Little Rock, AR; Kate Berry of Conway, AR; Layton Hoofman of Bella Vista, AR; Jake Berry of Conway, AR; Logan Hoofman of Little Rock, AR and a large extended family he loved fully and with all his heart.
A visitation will be held Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 2 p.m. at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, AR, followed by a memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Arkansas Foodbank, 4301 W. 65th Street, Little Rock, AR 72209 or at https://arkansasfoodbank.org.
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19 Condolence(s)
Buck Sheward
Monday, November 4, 2024
Carolyn and the family,
I've started this over multiple times and can't seem to get a grip here. Must be Stu harassing me to say something nice about him - an easy task.
We have been friends since the 6th grade and stayed in contact over the years. Stu was not a hard guy to like; great smile, good grasp of life and he loved the outdoors which included fishing - my kind of friend. But all of this has been said in his obituary, by friends during the celebration of life services, and in the guestbook.
Stu was not a casual friend; but a life long friend. While it was not in vogue for two men to say "I love you" in the 40's, 50's, and 60's" Stu and I would say it after gravity and gray hair started taking over our bodies. Looking back, i'm glad we did as life passed us so quickly leaving little room for "I wish I had said that" to each other before either of us passed. We became brothers. Life throws many curves and we have to learn to dance to the tune offered, sometimes it gets crazy - and we discussed that in some of our last discussions. His spirit is now making good use of time.
Truly i am at a loss of words to further my sincere condolences to you Carolyn, the children, grandchildren and other friends who shared life with Stu. The mold was broken when God made Stu Berryhill. And I wish him well on the rest of his journey.
A friend/brother indeed,
Larry & Dagmar Roger
Friday, October 25, 2024
Stu & Carolyn are our best friends. I worked with Stu for 15 years. So close, he became a brother to us. We later traveled together around Europe. That was a hoot because together it was always a hoot for us. We miss our best friend and brother, very much. Love to Carolyn. Larry & Dagmar.
Jay McCall
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Stu was always so much fun & full of stories. He was truly a Razorback through & through. I will always treasure being able to take him fishing!
Jeffery Adams
Monday, October 21, 2024
Stu was a very good friend and my Shoshone brother. We did many things together in high school of which fishing was a mainstay. I have too many stories to begin telling them here and now. He made a few trips back home and I saw him once and enjoyed it so much. Since I heard he passed, many of those adventures and football games have rerun through my mind as if they were yesterday. Rest well my brother. Love you……
Tristan Hoofman
Monday, October 21, 2024
Grandpa Stu (or PoPo) as my cousins often called him was wonderful. Having the holidays come along, I was always looking forwards to seeing him and the family. It’s so sad to know of his passing… We love you deeply and we will cherish the memories we made with you always.
Much love.
-T.C.H.
Richard Hodges Jr, (hodgie)
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Stu is one of the most professional men I ever met in recruiting as a civilian. He maintained his appearance as if he was retired Army! He was a credit to our unit. He was kind. He taught me so much and I wa inspecting him! Of course I had to hear a FISH Story!!!! He will be missed!!!
Gayle Sumner
Friday, October 18, 2024
Riley, you know your Alpha sisters are with you and sending support even from afar. I know you realize how much we admire your strength during the challenges you have faced and I do pray that you know God will see you through this too. Take care of yourself now and rejoice in the many happy memories you shared with Stu and all your family who are there to support you. Love, Gayle
Lana Gartner
Friday, October 18, 2024
What an endearing obituary. Stu was one of a kind for sure and my love is with you all!
Stephen Perciful
Friday, October 18, 2024
I'm so sorry to hear this. He was an amazing man among men. He can tell my mom all about the day of quiche and go fishing with Sam. My heart is with you all, and if you all need anything, I'm here. Love, Matt.
Cheryl Knoff
Friday, October 18, 2024
So sorry for your loss, prayers for you, your Mom and family.
The obituary shows much love for him and life he lived.
Sharon Baxley
Friday, October 18, 2024
Carolyn,
So sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family during this difficult time.
Kyle and Samantha Stephens-Garretson
Friday, October 18, 2024
He was always such a nice man. So humble, kind, and down to earth. He will be missed. So sorry Mrs. Carol. You are in my prayers.
-Samantha Stephens-Garretson
Chuck Sontag
Friday, October 18, 2024
Always enjoyed working with Stu. May he rest in peace. Deepest condolences to the family.
Janna Gordanier
Friday, October 18, 2024
Dear Carolyn,
I am so sorry to see this has happened. It seems not so long ago we were college roommates and now we are facing such difficult times. I am thinking of you.
Janna
Cheryl Park
Friday, October 18, 2024
I learned so many things I didn’t know about Stu by reading the obituary. But one thing I knew for sure was how happy he made Carolyn. A life well lived for certain.
Jill Dicus
Friday, October 18, 2024
Loved Stu and always looked up to him as my older cousin. Prayers for all and lots of hugs!!
Sailor Davis
Thursday, October 17, 2024
So sorry for you loss, Stu and I were best friend since about 4 years old, WE got in more trouble then it allowed. Buck and my folks we after us all the time, one time we took a bunch of fire crackers put the power together and blowed up bucks trash barrel. There are a lot of stories to many to tell. I sure going to miss my buddy. Once again so sorry for you.
Pat Edwards
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Carolyn, I am so sorry to learn about Stu. He was a wonderful person. Thoughts and prayers for you during this difficult time
Kaye Hoggard
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Carolyn and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.