Hugh Marvin Berry Sr.

Hugh Marvin Berry, Sr., 87, of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away Thursday, January 26, 2017. Hugh Berry was born on June 7, 1929 in Smoaks, SC to the late Lee Franklin Berry and the late Martha Justine Hiers Berry. He graduated from North Charleston High School. Following his service in the US Army during the Korean War, Hugh graduated from Clemson Agricultural College with a Bachelor of Science. Hugh worked several jobs before serving in the military. Dixie Home Grocery where he met his wife, Patricia, Swift and Co, and a chemical plant. He used the GI Bill to complete his college education at Clemson. After graduation, he taught high school math and was at their baseball and basketball coach. Later, he started in the Charleston Naval Shipyard as an apprentice the Electronic Shop and retired over 30 years later as the Foreman. Following his retirement, he started Berry's Sharpening, installed shallow wells and pumps, worked at Harbor Hardware store, worked for Pinkerton and Wackenhut providing security for businesses and events including the Masters tournaments. Even though Hugh officiated sports as a part time job, it was his passion at the time - everything from Dixie Youth tournaments, to high school football, to Citadel basketball. His later sporting activity was golf. He played with his sons almost every weekend until it was too difficult (or until he lost the annual trophy he had won for many years). Even after he quit playing, he worked as a starter on weekends at Charleston Municipal Golf Course. For many years, Hugh enjoyed singing with Lowcountry Senior Center choir and the JOY Choir of Fort Johnson Baptist Church. Hugh and Pat were Charter members of the Lowcountry Senior Center of James Island and he was a frequent volunteer and Greeter. Hugh was a lifetime member of the VFW as well as a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans and American Legion. As a Life Member of the Girl Scouts, he assisted his wife at many events as well as taught canoeing. Hugh was preceded in death by his adored wife, Patricia Willett Berry; his parents; his siblings, R Furman Berry, Lee Frank Berry, Marie B Tomberlin, Virginia B Stubbs, Mildred B Sasser, Reginald J Berry, Milton O Berry Sr., Edgar M Berry, Corrine B Armstrong, and Harriett B Mader. He is survived by his children, Kathi Cunningham and her husband, Mark, of St. Louis, Missouri; LeAnne Gelwicks and her husband, Roy, of James Island; Rick Berry of West Ashley; Sandi Metts and her husband, George, of Hanahan; and Hugh “Bo” Berry, Jr., of Arizona. Also remaining are seven grandchildren: David Massie and his wife, Erin, of Mt. Pleasant; Christopher and Andrew Cunningham of St. Louis, Missouri; Sarah Cutteridge of Cheyenne, Wyoming; Teresa Stewart Osorio of North Charleston; Kelly Cunningham of St. Louis, Missouri; Keith Berry of Charleston. Hugh also leaves nine great-grandchildren: Sean, Katie, and Megan Massie; Taylee and Caitlin Cunningham; Penelope Cutteridge; Steven, Gavin, and Paul Michael Cunningham. The family wishes to thank Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center for the attentive care and support they provided during Hugh’s final days, and to those who have supported us with their presence, prayers, thoughts, and acts of kindness. A Celebration of Hugh's Life will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, James Island Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at 10 AM, also at the funeral home. Burial will follow the service at Holy Cross Cemetery. Pastor Gary Tucker will officiate. Memorial donations may be made to The American Red Cross, PO Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037-0839 or at www.redcross.org. Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted at www.McAlister-Smith.com. Arrangements entrusted to McALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, JAMES ISLAND CHAPEL, 347 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412, Phone: 843-614-8494. Visit the Post and Courier Legacy guestbook at http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/charleston/hugh-marvin-berry-condolences/183773964?cid=full. The family invites you to share stories, photos or condolences on the memorial page on the McAlister-Smith site http://www.mcalister-smith.com/book-of-memories/2829785/Berry-Hugh/service-details.php McAlister-Smith Funeral-Cremation James Island Chapel, 347 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412 (843) 614-8494. www.mcalister-smith.com