Charles Edward Berry Sr.

GILBERT – Ret. Major Charles Edward Berry, Sr., 71, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, March 15, 2014 surrounded by his friends and family. He was born September 4, 1942 in Johnston, SC to Frances Catherine Berry and the late Francis Edward Berry.

Charles was a member of the first ever graduating class at Wade Hampton High School in Greenville, SC. He graduated from North Greenville Junior College and Bob Jones University and received two masters’ degrees from the University of South Carolina. After 32 years of service, Charles retired as a Major in the Army Reserves. He thoroughly enjoyed his early career as a Drill Sergeant and later received a Direct Commission and retired as a Company Commander. Charles was a beloved teacher and coach for 25 years in the SC Public School System. His passion for knowledge, young people, and sports left an indelible impression on everyone God put in his path. He was an Ordained Baptist and Methodist Minister for 38 years and pastored several churches in South Carolina and Georgia. More recently, Charles was a volunteer Chaplain at Lexington Medical Center and Chairman of the Deacons at Old Lexington Baptist Church. He was

also a member of the American Legion of Gilbert.

Charles, first and foremost, loved God, his family, and his country. He was a passionate and avid Carolina Gamecock fan. He never seemed to meet a stranger and was always willing to put others’ needs ahead of his own. He will be remembered as lighting up the room with laughter, being the life of the party, and always staying positive and upbeat in the eye of the storm.

Surviving are his wife of 51 years, Linda Ann Raynor Berry; his son, Charles “Chuck” Edward Berry Jr. (Jennifer Grey Berry) and daughter, Melissa Raynor Berry Rogers; his grandchildren, Kenadie Grey Berry, Bryce James Berry, and Mason Christopher Rogers. Charles is also survived by his mother, Frances Catherine Berry; brothers, Colie Berry (Shirley) of Ward and Gene Berry (Caryn), and his sister Cathy Crabtree (John) of Greenville.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 18, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at Old Lexington Baptist Church in Leesville, SC and will be officiated by Rev. Ken Babbington and Rev. John McKeown. Immediately following services, the burial will be held at Mount of Olives Cemetery in Johnston, SC. Pallbearers will be Doug Horton, Troy Martin Jr., George Richardson, Carey Bedenbaugh, Griff Jones, Robert Lee Wright, Jr., Kevin Buice, Lew Jernigan, and Robert Berry. Honorary Pallbearers are the Chaplains of Lexington Medical Center.

The family would like to thank the members of Old Lexington Baptist Church for the outpouring of love and kindness you have shown during Charles’ illness. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials may be made to Old Lexington Baptist Church of Leesville.