Robert Gerhardt Berry

He was born on Sept. 5, 1930, in Whitewater, IN, and grew up on the family farm. He played basketball and baseball and graduated from Whitewater High School. He attended Miami U. of Ohio, as well as took classes at Syracuse U. and George Washington U. While living in Oxford, OH, he served as an advisor for the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity.

Bob spent most of his working years in manufacturing and materials management. He was a guest lecturer for the School of Business Administration at Ithaca College and a past chapter president of the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). His last position was with ITT. After retiring, he worked part-time for the Burpee Seed Company. He was a handy man and avid gardener. His neighbors appreciated his talents. He enjoyed outdoor activities like bird hunting with his favorite English Pointer, Mitzi, and fishing.

After Bob and his second wife, Katie, moved to Annapolis, MD, they sponsored numerous midshipmen/women and provided them with a home away from home. He was a loyal and enthusiastic spectator of Navy and Indiana basketball and football.

He is survived by his younger brother, Larry (Shirley) Berry of Whitewater, IN; his four children: Suzanne “Suzy” (Bob) Cottrell of Oxford, NC; Teresa (Dave) Hartle of Conway, SC; Robert “Rob” Berry II of Baltimore, MD; and David “Dave” (Cynthia) Berry of North Charleston, SC; two stepsons: Michael (Kathy) Bush of Sarasota, FL and Bob (Janie) Bush of Georgetown, TX; seven grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; his first wife Patricia Jennings Berry Murray; and numerous other relatives; as well as his two cats: Pepper and Willie.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Katie Harriet Rachel Logan Bush Berry; his parents, Donald and Clara Berry; and his two brothers: William “Bill” Berry and Donald Eugene “Gene” Berry.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 2-4 pm at the John M. Taylor Funeral Home, 147 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis, MD 21401.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to Cats R Us Feline Rescue and Adoption at www.catsrusrescue.org, the US Naval Academy Garden Club, or the Hillsmere Shores Garden Club in Annapolis, MD.

Service arrangements in Raleigh are being provided by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC, and in Annapolis, MD by John M. Taylor Funeral Home, 147 Duke of Gloucester Street.