Melvin McCoy Berry

1934 - 2017

Melvin McCoy Berry

Maryville, TN

Melvin McCoy Berry, age 82, of Maryville, passed away on Monday, February 13, 2017 at UT Medical Center. Melvin was born in Townsend, TN. He served 30 years in the US Army, Air Force, and Tennessee Air National Guard. Melvin retired from the 134th ANG. He was widely recognized for his knowledge of jet aircraft engines, including teaching at Sheppard AFB. He developed and implemented the jet engine technician program for Greenville, SC Community College. He worked for 5 years as a civilian repairing and rebuilding aircraft during Vietnam. Melvin served during Occupation WWII in Germany, Korea, Berlin Wall crisis, Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam (instructor), and many, many temporary duty assignments for the 134th ANG. In spite of his outstanding military record, he often stated that his proudest accomplishment was his children and grandchildren. Thanks to the many medical personnel who healed and comforted.

Melvin was preceded in death by: parents, George Audrey and Annie Ellen Brickey Berry; infant brother, Conley; brother, Audrey Jack Berry; son-in-law, Kevin Hagy. Survived by: wife of 54 years, Ruth Dalluge Berry; sons, James McCoy Berry (Kate Schlenker) and Gene Allen Berry (Lorrie Willey); Daughters, Michelle Berry Addington (Joe) and Kristina Berry Hagy; grandchildren, Justin and Johnathan Addington, Kevin, Jr. (Taunya), Amber, MacKenzie, and Madison Hagy, Celina Berry; brother, Harold Berry (Joyce); sisters-in-law, Theresa Denney and Anita Smith (David); brothers-in-law, Richard Dalluge and Keith Dalluge (Kathy); many cherished cousins, nieces and nephews, and other family members.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to a charity of your choice. Family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 PM, Thursday, February 16, 2017 at Smith Trinity Chapel. Family and friends will assemble for graveside service and interment at 11:30 AM, Friday, February 17, 2017 at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery on John Sevier Hwy. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.