John Franklin Berry Jr.

John F. Berry Jr. NORFOLK - John Franklin Berry Jr., 85, went to be with the Lord Sept. 2, 2008. John was born on Sept. 8, 1922, in Norfolk. He served our country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. During the war, he survived the bombing of the USS Pringle and therefore he received the high decoration of the Purple Heart. John then continued his career with the U.S. Postal Service, retiring after 49½ years of dedicated service. After retirement, he volunteered at Norfolk General Hospital and worked the election polls each year. John was an active member of Tabernacle Church of Norfolk, where he enjoyed his Senior Group, small group and ushering. John especially loved traveling and visiting his children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Edith H. Berry; second wife, Betty J. Berry; parents, John F. and Christine L. Berry; stepdaughter, Sharon Barter; brother, Richard V. Berry; and two great-grandchildren. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Sandra Lopez and husband John of Texas and Paul F. Berry and wife Lois of Ohio; stepchildren, Mike Seaman and wife Lisa of Tennessee and Teena Russell and husband William of Alabama; grandchildren, Maria Harris and husband Ersel, James Albi and wife Tammy, Shelly Cino and husband David, Jonathan Lopez and wife Candice, Paul F. Berry Jr. and wife Alicia, Bonnie Switzer and husband Andy, Lisa Berry, Camilo Barter, Adam Barter, Tabitha Cornett and husband Rob, Krysten Esland and husband Jacob; sister, Dorothy Mitchell of Colorado; sister-in-law, Norma Berry of Norfolk; and 17 great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Smith & Williams Funeral Home, Norfolk Chapel. A service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Tabernacle Church of Norfolk, 7000 Granby St., Norfolk, officiated by the Rev. Kenny Bryant. You may pay condolences to the family at www.mem.com.