Robert Gerald Berry

Robert Gerald Berry passed away on July 25, 2025, at the age of 88. He will be
remembered as a devoted husband, proud father, and cherished grandfather.
He was born April 3, 1937, on the family farm in Bartonville, TX to Clarence
Anderson Berry and Ora Lee Council Berry. Gerald grew up learning from his
parents the values of hard work, service, and family principles that would guide him
for the rest of his life.
His family moved in August 1943 to a small house on Maple Avenue in Dallas.
After graduating early from high school in Dallas, he went on to proudly serve his
country as a Staff Sergeant in the National Guard beginning in May of 1954. After
less than two years of training at Ft. Knox, he earned the position of Tank
Commander. His service ended in 1962 and was a source of pride that he carried
with him throughout his life.
In April of 1957, Gerald met Ann Fisher and after a whirlwind courtship, they were
married in November 1957. They began married life in a two-bedroom frame house
in Oak Cliff, TX. They then moved to Mesquite, TX, where they built not just a house
but a home. They lived there 45 years, and raised 3 children, Wendy, Tracy and
Carolyn. Shortly before his retirement in August of 2006, Gerald and Ann moved to
her hometown of Commerce, TX.
Gerald worked tirelessly throughout his life to provide for his family. He was
employed by the Millwright Union setting up bowling machines before his marriage.
He then went to work for Manor Bakery, selling a variety of breads and baked
goods door-to-door. After that he helped his brother Roland with an insurance debit
at United Insurance Co. of America. In 1966, he went to work for American
Graphics Printing Co. where he learned the trade of printing. He transferred to their
subsidiary, American Equity Press, in 1971 where he operated the presses until
1986 when they sold to Pandick Press which was then taken over by Merrill Corp.
Gerald followed the company through all their transitions until his retirement in
2006.
Gerald is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ann Fisher Berry, his oldest
daughter, Wendy Gale Berry Cantrell, his parents, Clarence Anderson Berry and
Ora Lee Council Berry, his sister, Oda Delphine (Peggy) Sissom, his three brothers,
Clarence Alden Berry, Paul Roland Berry, and William (Bill) Thomas Berry.
He is survived by his son, Tracy Berry and wife, Leslie; his youngest daughter,
Carolyn Berry and husband, Todd McNeal; his son-in-law Ed Cantrell and wife Stephany;
grandchildren, Nicolas Cantrell and wife, Kimberly; Hayley Moseley and husband, Mark;
Valene Hanson and husband, Brad; Deanna Lopez and husband, Ramiro; and Kevin Berry
and wife, Angela. Gerald is also survived by many cherished great-grandchildren,
along with treasured nieces, nephews and friends.
Gerald was a man who loved his two cats, Blackie and Fluffy, spending time with
family, going fishing, going hunting, tending to his pecan trees and taking walks
around Commerce, TX. He was well known by the community and law
enforcement, who kindly watched out for him.
He worked tirelessly with the JOY bus ministry and drama ministry at Casa View
Church of Christ for many years. He also pitched for the church softball team. He
was a football referee for Peewee Football in Mesquite, TX and a pressman at Unity
Church of Dallas.
On his walks, he collected numerous treasures, but our greatest treasure was
always him.