John Thomas "Jt" Berry Sr.

John Thomas "JT" Berry, Sr. passed away on Saturday, December 19, 2015 at Hillcrest Convalescent Center in Durham after a recent battle with cancer. He was a loving family man, with a set of values and work ethic he passed along to his children, and a warm, contagious smile that entered the room before he did.

He was a true patriot, loved flying the U.S. flag, and thoroughly enjoyed the trip, with his then sole surviving brother, Costen, to Washington on the Flight of Honor to see the World War II Memorial. He and his three brothers; Charles, Jr., Costen, and Petain served in World War II at the same time. They all represented their Hurdle Mills, NC community with pride and honor during that horrific time in our nation’s history. J.T. retired from Imperial Tobacco Co. in Durham after 29 years of service. He enjoyed hunting, farming, engineering and building his ever present projects. His ingenuity and creative talents produced many things of lasting value that will remain constant reminders for his love of life when viewed by his friends and family. He will be greatly missed.

He leaves behind the love of his life and wife of almost 70 years, Lois Spikes Berry, sons; John T. (Tom) Berry, Jr. and wife Dot, Dennis Gorman Berry and wife, Dianne, Brian Anthony Berry and fiancé, Sherry, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, sister, Alyse Barnes, half-sisters; Peggy Mustian, Sylvia Overbey, and Jeana Green. He is preceded in death by his infant son, Michael Wayne Berry and half-sister, Charlotte Berry.

A Celebration of his Life will be held on Sunday, December 27, 2015 at 2:00 p.m., Leesville Baptist Church, 13305 Leesville Church Rd., Raleigh. Burial will immediately follow in the church cemetery with military honors. The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 26 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Ave. Raleigh.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his memory to the Leesville Baptist Church Building Fund, 13305 Leesville Baptist Church Road, Raleigh, NC.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.MitchellatRMP.com