Phillip Glenn Berry

Phillip was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. During his adolescent years he spent the summers in Manteo, North Carolina at Pirate’s Cove where he discovered his passion for the outdoors; spending his free time fishing, hunting, snowboarding or playing football.

This passion only grew as he became an avid fisherman. In recent years, you could find Phillip on his friend Donnie’s boat “Payload” fishing out of the Pirate’s Cove Marina on any given weekend.

He graduated from Woodberry Forest School in 2013. Those high school years were formative, not only physically as Phillip grew into his 6’7” frame, but also in his heart as he realized his love for leadership and giving his all to everyone around him. He made many friends at Woodberry who are more like family.

Phillip attended the University of Virginia, where he played offensive tackle for the football team. Although his time on the team was interrupted due to injuries, the pride he had in his team never dulled (WAH HOO WAH). Similar to his time at Woodberry, Phillip left a mark on everyone he met during his four years in Charlottesville. Whether he was cruising around campus on his moped or standing in as lead singer of ‘Phil n the Blanks,’ he was never not living his most authentic life.

In 2017 he graduated from UVA’s McIntire School of Commerce with a degree in Environmental Science and Real Estate. He was set to begin his MBA at Belmont University in January 2022 with plans to continue his passion for Real Estate Development upon completion, following in the footsteps of his grandad, dad and brother.

After graduating from UVA, Phillip relocated to Nashville, Tennessee where he discovered his love for powerlifting and strongman training. He spent time participating in competitions around the country with his girlfriend and number one fan Mattie in tow. This year alone he placed first in 2 competitions which afforded him the opportunity to compete in the Strong Man Nationals in Roanoke, VA.

Phillip was very active in the recovery community in Nashville, always willing to help anyone with their sobriety and never afraid to share his own story. He gave 100% to everything he did and inspired others around him to do the same. Like all things with Phillip, he chose to share his talents with others and most recently, could be found posing as The Hulk and lifting cars with sick children from Relentless Nashville and HopeKids. There was never a dull moment with Phillip, he was a force.

Despite having his life cut too short, Phillip lived every day to the fullest. Pursuing his passions wholeheartedly, he excelled in everything he set his mind to. He never met a stranger and made everyone he encountered feel like they were a close friend. In Phillip’s final days he did what he loved most, spending time in Raleigh with his family and Mattie, indulging in all of his favorite delicacies only his grandmother, Ma, can make. If you are reading this today, let this be a reminder to hug the ones you love.

Phillip is preceded in death by his Paternal grandparents, Ron and Ginny Berry.

Phillip is survived by his parents, David and Glenda Berry; his brother, Grey Berry and his wife, Sarah Alston; and partner, Mattie Livengood. Maternal grandparents Phyllis and Glenn Futrell, Aunts and Uncles, Jan and Tim Sullivan, Paul and Janet Berry, Denny and Teresa Berry.

The family will receive friends from 5:00pm - 6:30pm on Friday, December 3, 2021 at Brown Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 E. Millbrook Rd. Raleigh, NC 27609. A funeral service will be held at 12:30pm on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church, 7506 Falls of Neuse Rd. Raleigh, NC 27615.

A private burial will immediately follow at Historic Oakwood Cemetery, 701 Oakwood Ave. Raleigh, NC 27601.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Healing Transitions, 1251 Goode Street, Raleigh, NC 27603.