Dr. David Andrew Berry, Sr, 81, of Seymour passed January 5, 2023 surrounded by the love of his children. David was born on November 6, 1941 in the Mt. Olive Community of South Knoxville. At an early age, he was baptized at South Knoxville Baptist Church. As a young man, David found his love for serving and helping others while he worked in his family’s funeral home – Berry Funeral Home in Knoxville.
David was a proud Young High Yellowjacket graduating with the class of 1959.
Early in his life, he was influenced by a local physician and developed an aspiration for the medical field. His interest took him to Logan Chiropractic College graduating in 1965 while simultaneously working, flying airplanes for Foster Aviation and continuing to work in the funeral profession.
After college, David was honored and proud to serve in the Air National Guard, stationed in Germany. After his service to our country, he returned to South Knoxville and started a successful chiropractic practice for over 40 years. He later moved his chiropractic practice to Seymour where he cared for the community from 1985-2005. David was a self-made entrepreneur with an acumen for business.
Becoming a licensed private pilot in September of 1963, aviation was a lifelong hobby. Travel was his passion as he traveled throughout the world. He loved his horses and was an active member of the North Carolina Workhorse and Mule Association as well as other equine clubs.
David was an avid outdoorsman in all senses of the word. He loved to hunt, fish, hike, sightsee and enjoyed the beauty of God’s creation.
David was a 32nd Degree Mason and member of the South Knoxville Masonic Lodge 769 F&AM, Scottish Rite, Kerbela Shrine Temple and Royal Order of the Jesters. He enjoyed meeting fellow Masons during his travels.
His strong work ethic was evident in many ways including how he cleared over 20 acres of land with a chainsaw to build a home, office and apartments. With his own two hands and the help of a few friends, he built all the structures on his properties. He personally collected the rocks from the surrounding streams and mountains to build a dream home for his family.
He was a friend every friend wants to have and a man who never met a stranger. Known for his generosity, he would give anyone in need the shirt off his back. Never idle, David was always giving his time to help family and friends; placing their needs before his own. His life was dedicated to serving others. David often used the words, “Loving service is my first technique”.
David was a loving father who gave his all for his children and grandchildren. David will be profoundly missed and there will never be another like him.
Preceded in death by father Senator Fred Ogle Berry, Sr., mother Georgia Rule Berry, brother G. Edward Berry, brother Fred Ogle Berry, Jr., and sister Nancy Berry Lee. Survived by former spouse and life-long friend Cheryl Doyal Berry and children Dr. Kevin Parker, Mission Viejo, CA; Dr. Christy Berry, Mission Viejo, CA; Dr. David A. Berry, Jr. and wife Lori, Seymour, TN; Jennifer Berry, Roanoke, VA; Julie Berry Michael and husband Larry, Rochester, MI; grandchildren Cheyenne Guthrie, Landon Chasteen and Taylor Clifton, Sammi Jo Berry, Sydney Berry, Reese Hood, Danica Ogle, Levi Michael, Jude Michael and great granddaughter Caroline Chasteen. Also survived by long-time partner Lisa Baxter.
The family will receive friends Sunday, January 8, 2023 between the hours of 4:00 pm until 7:00pm at Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. A Masonic Service will be held at 12 Noon on Monday, January 9, 2023 in the Chapel of Berry Funeral Home with a funeral service to immediately follow. The services will be streamed on Berry Funeral Home's Facebook Page with coverage beginning at 11:50 am. Family and friends will go in procession following the funeral service to Mt. Olive Cemetery, 2500 Maryville Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920 for an Interment Service. Pallbearers will be Kevin Parker, Drew Berry, Landon Chasteen, Larry Michael, JC Cogan, Michael Scott, Jeff Berry and Fred Berry.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berryfuneralhome.com for the Berry family.
