Alvin "Al" Nelson Berry

Alvin "Al" Nelson Berry died at his home surrounded by family and friends following a courageous battle with cancer. Al was born on January 27, 1943 to the late Caronell Jones Berry and John Raymond Berry. He was one of four children: John Faye Berry, deceased, (Sybil), Marguerite Johnson and Ranelle Hughey.

Al is survived by his wife, Evelyn B. Berry. They have five children: Alvin Nelson Berry, Jr. (deceased), Kenneth Marion Berry (Durema), John Brian Berry (Trena), Amy Tapp, Lynn Swygert (Kevin), Grandchildren: Thomas Berry, Makenna Berry, Addison Berry, Nevaeh Hughes, Carter Berry, Ellisen Berry, Christian Alvin Berry, Andrew Berry, Abigail Berry, Rion Tapp (Lauren), Katelin Dukes (Zack).

He grew up on the family farm in Saluda County and always appreciated the experience that the farm life provided. He graduated from Saluda High School in 1961.

Al has always been a Clemson fan. He headed to Clemson for his college education and loved every facet of that experience. The faculty named Al as a Top Ten Graduate in the College of Agriculture in 2003. He has been recognized as a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award. He has served on the Board of Visitors since 1996 and served as its chair in 2000. He and his wife have endowed multiple scholarships at the University.

His public school career began at Lower Richland High School where he taught and coached. In 1975 he moved to Lexington School District One to be the first Vocational Director of the district. He was later named Assistant Superintendent for Planning and Operations until his retirement in 1994.

Al and Evelyn are members of St. Andrews Baptist Church. He has served as a Trustee, Deacon and involved in the facility and grounds management. He was active in Rotary where he served as president of two clubs and had thirty-three years of perfect attendance. He was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International.

Al’s life was enriched by the trips to Scotland and Ireland to play golf with sons and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024 at St. Andrews Baptist Church at 3:00 pm. The family will receive guests at 12:30 until 2:45 pm in prior to the service at the church. The burial will follow the memorial service at Bush River Memorial Gardens, Columbia, SC 29212. Burial Rights - Building A West Level, Crypt B.

Memorials may be given to St. Andrews Baptist Church, 230 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210 or the Al Berry Scholarship Endowment at Clemson University, 110 Daniel Drive, Clemson, SC 29631.