Norman H. Berry Jr.

The automotive world lost a true visionary and manufacturer of ignition system components with the death of Norman H. Berry, Jr. on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 at Catawba Valley Medical Center.
His vision of an innovative sparkplug wire led to the founding of LGM, Ltd., with his wife, North Carolina Labor Commissioner, Cherie Killian Berry in 1985 in Maiden, NC. The company was sold in 1995 to the C.O. Jelliff Corporation of Bridgeport, CT and Norman remained General Manager until his death.
Continuing from its original location in Maiden, the company supplies its product worldwide. Under Norman's leadership, the company has received many prestigious supplier quality awards and is the only company in Catawba County to earn the N.C. Dept. of Labor's highest safety award, The Carolina Star. Norman devoted his life to the success of the company and its employees and it remains his legacy to the automotiveindustry.
Born September 16, 1930 in Detroit, MI, he was the son of the late Norman Herbert Berry, Sr. and Beatrice Schaefer Berry. Norman is an alumnus of Cranbrook School in Bloomfield Hills, MI. He received his undergraduate degree from Wesleyan University in Connecticut, his MBA from the University of Michigan, and began his career with General Motors in Latin America. Later, he served as marketing director for Coca-Cola in Latin and South America and is a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers.
In addition to Cherie, his wife of 20 years, he is survived by his daughter, Patricia Berry of Washington, DC; his son, Norman H. Berry, III of Cornelius; two stepdaughters, Kimberlee Taylor of Toledo, OH, Stephanie Taylor of Huntersville, NC; a brother, Charles Berry and wife, Katherine of Old Saybrook, CT; several nieces, grandnephews and a grandniece.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, February 4, 2006 at Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home chapel in Newton,NC. Rev. Cynthia Williams will officiate.
Prior to the service, beginning at 1 p.m. at the funeral home, the family will host a reception to celebrate Norman's life.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: National Kidney Foundation of North Carolina, Inc. 5950 Fairview Road, Suite 550, Charlotte, NC 28210.
The Berry family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton and condolences may be sent to them at www.willisreynoldsfuneralhome.com.