Will C. Berry Sr.

Will C. Berry Sr., 84, of Florence, died Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. today at Spry Serenity Chapel, Florence. A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Garden Pavilion in Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens, with Dr. Lee Allison officiating.

Will was born Jan. 8, 1924, in Florence, Ala. He was retired from TVA as a pipefitter, a Navy veteran of World War II, serving in the Pacific Theater, and was a lifetime member of United Association of Plumber and Steamfitters Local No. 760 and attended Florence First Church of the Nazarene. Some of his hobbies were fishing, traveling and spending time with his family and friends. His family was the joy of his life, as he was the joy of ours. We will miss his laughter and cherish the memories.

Will was preceded in death by his parents, John Thomas Berry and Alice Swinea Berry; wife, Peggy Sanderson Berry; son, Will C. Berry Jr. and his loving wife of 10 years, Helen Blackstock Berry, in 2003; brothers, Charles and John T. Berry Jr.; sisters, Lorene Hall and A.Z. Parks.

He is survived by his sister, Pauline Olive; children, Kenneth Blackstock, Kay B. Lesley, Kim B. Rutz, Kerri B. Rumage; and nieces and nephews.

"Poppa Will" will be especially missed by his beloved grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and Jake, his cockatiel.

"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

Pallbearers will be family and friends.

Spry Serenity Chapel, of Florence, is directing.