Arthur Lee Berry

BERRY Arthur Lee Berry, also known as "Coach Berry," of Columbus, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at his home. He was 72, born on October 3, 1939 in Pocahontas, Virginia to Mable and James Berry as their eighth child. Arthur left home at 17 years of age, enlisting in the U.S. Army. He was a drill sergeant and, as a paratrooper, spent two years in Germany. After serving eight years in the 101st airborne division, he came to Columbus. Arthur married Wilhemina Tandy and this union gave him his first son. On December 23, 1966, Arthur married Raynell E. Holland. Their union gave him four more children. Arthur and Raynell celebrated 45 years of marriage in 2011. Arthur's employment tenure included the U.S. Postal Service, Big Bear Warehouse as a meat cutter, General Motors, and he spent the majority of his employment in the construction industry as a foreman. He was known to have a fierce work ethic and instilled the same in his children. Arthur promoted the best in his family and others, being primarily concerned with academic excellence. As an avid sports fan, with football being his favorite sport, he coached his youngest son's little league team to multiple championships. He has been known as Coach Berry to the community for several years. He could always be counted on to support all of his family members' academic achievements, football games, and other events. Arthur was preceded in death by his mother and father Mable and James Berry, his older brother James "Bud" Berry, Jr., his brother Wallace Berry and his sister Vivian "Lou" Coles. He is survived by his wife, Raynell; his five children, Arthur Lee Berry, Jr., Danita R. (Newton "Eddie") Andrews, Charles N. (Teresa) Berry, Denise N. Berry, and Cherise N. Berry; his three sisters, Loretta Berry, Dolores "Missy" Hudspeth, and Pearl Berry Thompson; his grandchildren, A'zya Berry, Andre Berry, MiKayla Berry-Ross, Jaylin Hines, Jayvon Hines, and Anaya Washington; and a host of nieces and nephews. He will be missed by all of his family members and friends. Viewing will be held at the MAEDER-QUINT-TIBERI FUNERAL HOME, 1068 S. High Street, on Tuesday, June 19 from 9:30-11 a.m. with Funeral Service at 11 a.m. For the memorial tribute and to sign the on-line register, visit www.maederquinttiberi.com.