Mr. Robert F. Berry

Bob was the first of four children born to the late Boyd Berry and Harriet (Mizzell) in 1952, in Columbia, SC. He grew up in Forest Acres and was a 1970 graduate of A.C. Flora High School. In 1974, he graduated from the University of South Carolina with an Accounting degree. Excelling both academically and socially at USC, he was Archon of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and developed life-long friendships with his fraternity brothers.

Shortly after college, Bob met the love of his life, Vicky Glenn, and they were married in 1978. During their 46 years of marriage, they raised three wonderful daughters, Ashley Berry Brownlee (Chris); Meredith Berry deWolfe (Chevy); and Tracy Berry. Being an amazing father was Bob’s priority and he thrived in a household full of ladies – even female pet dogs. But even greater joy came when he became a grandfather to four grandsons – Lawford William (Ford) Stratton, Grant Benjamin Stratton, Jenkins Hugh Brownlee, and Chevy Lane deWolfe, – as well as two granddaughters – Katherine Reid Stratton and Caroline Riddick Brownlee.

Bob’s devotion to his family and desire to serve others influenced his decision to change careers from owning his own CPA practice to financial advising, working in that industry for 36 years. His clients were extensions of his family and he found joy serving them as both a trusted advisor and a relied upon friend.

Bob was a man of God and loved the work God was doing around the world – especially Africa, where he traveled on 7 missionary trips, always willing to give the shirt off his own back and share the good news of Christ. He also found great joy in mentoring young men and counseling individuals and families in Biblical financial principals. His heart was evidenced in his desire to serve and in his heart for giving, which is why he was asked to serve as a Board member and later Chairman of the Board at Anderson University.

Bob never met a boat, motorcycle, classic truck, convertible or any motor vehicle he didn’t like. He would find any reason to run an errand just to get behind the wheel of a car. From sailboats to speedboats, Bob enjoyed spending time on the water with the family, pulling his grandchildren on a tube or cruising to see the Purple Martins. As a member of the Gamecock Club for 50 years, Bob enjoyed taking his family to Carolina games, always listening to his favorite USC announcers on his little pocket radio, while cheering passionately for his team.

When his family and friends speak of Bob, they remember his big smile, his sharp fashion sense, his teaching abilities, his love for the Gamecocks, his heart for God, service to others, and so many other things; but the one most repeated is his laugh – a boisterous laugh, not easily forgotten. He never met a stranger and was always a leader whether it was in his home, his church, his community, clubs and organizations, the board of a university, his college fraternity, or as a missionary to third-world countries.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on January 11, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00pm at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home in Lexington, SC, 503 North Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29072. According to Bob’s wishes and in lieu of a formal service, a private celebration of his life will be held in the near future.

At his request, donations in Bob’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association: Alzheimer's Association, Attn: SC Gift Processing, 4600 Park Rd, Ste 250, Charlotte, NC 28209, https://www.alz.org/sc

“For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21