Walter Treutlen Berry

Walter Treutlen Berry, Jr. passed away on November 27, 2015. He was born on February 21, 1931 in Birmingham, AL to Rose Frances McDorman and Walter Treutlen Berry. While growing up in Homewood, AL he was an avid Boy Scout and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He also became a member of the Boy Scouts Order of the Arrow. Walter attended the University of Alabama where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. He was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. Following college he joined the United States Army and served his country as a First Lieutenant in the Quartermaster Corp. He served a two year tour of duty in the Korean conflict. He greatly enjoyed outdoor activities including hunting, fishing and spending time at his lakehouse. In 1959, following his service in the military, he joined Southern Foodservice Management, Inc., a family-owned business, eventually serving as President of the company for 25+ years. During his tenure the company grew from a local/regional contractor to a company with operations in 15 states and over 1000 employees. He served as Chairman of the Board for many years and held the title of Chairman Emeritus until his death. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Most of his time in his later years was spent attending all seven of his grandchildren's numerous arts and sports activities. He will be remembered for his gentle nature and his unending sense of humor. Even in the later months of illness, he never lost that sense of humor continuing to joke and make those around him laugh. He was a long time member of Canterbury United Methodist Church and served on the board there for a number of years. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Margaret Ann O'Neill Berry; his daughter Susanne Berry Thomas and son-in-law Jeffrey Peter Thomas; his son Walter Edward Berry and daughter-in-law Ruth Denny Berry; his seven grandchildren: Peter Treutlen Thomas, William Henry Thomas, Ann Frances Thomas, Adam Anthony Thomas, Lane Margaret Berry, Walter Edward Berry, Jr. and Evelyn Rose Berry. He is also survived by his sister Mary Frances Hardwick and Brother-in-law Jay Hardwick and their children Laura Davis and husband Chris and Jeff Hardwick and wife Leslie. The family would like to extend special gratitude and appreciation to the wonderful caregivers who nursed him in the latter months of his illness: Shirley Dumas, Laikesha Williams, and Steve Bensko. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at Canterbury United Methodist Church on Tuesday, December 1 at 11:00 AM with visitation and reception following in the church parlor. Family burial will take place at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the American Cancer Society or your favorite charity.