Lewis Berry

Lewis Berry

Lewis Berry, a devoted Christian, decorated Naval veteran, loving husband and father, loyal friend and enthusiastic coach, passed away December 2025. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, dedication, and service.

Lewis was born in 1967 on a Naval base in Japan. He was the son of Captain Fred T Berry Jr and Zelda Berry and came from a strong military lineage. Both of his grandfathers, his father, his sister, and brother-in-law were all United States Naval Academy (USNA) graduates and decorated Naval officers. He carried this tradition of excellence into his own life. He played football at a preparatory school to gain acceptance to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

A Life of Service and Achievement:

During his distinguished tenure at the Naval Academy, he earned the title of "Plebe Super" for superior physical performance and leadership. Lewis graduated with Professional Honors. During his Naval career, which concluded in 1994, Lewis earned multiple accolades while proudly serving overseas in the Philippines, and domestically at the U.S. Naval Base in Charleston, South Carolina. Following his military service, Lewis worked in the private sector including American Club Systems and Merrill Lynch, earning his Series 7, Series 63, Series 65 investment licenses, and "Rookie of the Year" after his first year.

Coaching and Athletics:

A true enthusiast of health and physical activity, Lewis was a gifted athlete. As early as four years old, he practiced martial arts and played most sports, including soccer, football and ultimate frisbee. In martial arts, he earned advanced belts in Aikido, Karate, Judo and Tung Soo Do. He was also a competitive bodybuilder and won the 1993 South Carolina Junior Champion bodybuilding competition. Returning 25 years later, Lewis won the 2018 South Carolina over 40 bodybuilding competition.

Lewis' love for soccer was life-long. His youth sports culminated as a goalkeeper for the Naval Academy soccer team. And later, he began another career as a soccer coach in Fort Mill, South Carolina and the Charlotte Metro area. He was licensed by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA), holding both an Advanced National Diploma and Advanced National Goalkeeper Diploma. He dedicated time to mentoring goalkeepers, youth, and adults, and even coached for the Olympic Development Program (ODP). But he was most proud of the many goalkeepers and players that he had the honor of guiding into their college soccer careers.

Lewis Berry gave all glory and credit to God for his many blessings and successes. At his best, he is remembered as a man of faith, a great friend, and for his enduring commitment to his children. And of course, Lewis will always be remembered for endlessly uplifting those around him through his quick wit, silly skits, laughter and belting out a song.

Lewis is survived by his beloved wife, Anna, and his children, Dana and Cleo. He is also survived by his first wife and friend, Leslie, and her child, Kelsie. He is survived by his sisters: Carol and her family (Scott, Ryan and Melanie), Patricia and her family (Zachary and Kori), and Suzanne and her family (Rex, Kelly and Jamie).

Lewis is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Zelda; his son, Kai; his sister, Lynn; his brother, Freddy and his brother-in-law, Rick.

The family will receive friends from 5pm to 6pm on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Calvary Church in the Chapel with his celebration of his life beginning at 6:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family has partnered with Fort Mill United FC to establish the Coach Lewis Berry memorial fund to benefit the local soccer community.

https://www.fortmillunitedfc.com