Billy Joe Berry, Jr., age 64 of Gainesville, GA, passed away on Thursday, April 7, 2011 at his residence after fighting a six month battle with pancreatic cancer. A memorial service will be held at 3 PM on Sunday, April 17 at Fair Funeral Home Chapel in Eden. Mr. Berry was born August 17, 1946 in Andrews, Texas to Billy Joe Berry, Sr. and Janette Smith Berry. He attended the University of Texas, and graduated with an Industrial Engineering Degree. Bill was a decorated US Army Vietnam War Veteran, whose medals included three Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star and the Silver Medal of Honor. He was a ranger, paratrooper in the 101st Airborne. He attended OCS training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and rose to the rank of Captain. In civilian life he was a humanitarian. He hosted less fortunate families during the holidays and gave to numerous charities. Bill was employed with Miller Brewing Company in a supervisory position for 16 years in Texas and Eden, NC. He was also the plant manager for the Latrobe Brewing Company before becoming Director of Operations for Shasta Beverage Company (National Beverage) from 1999 to the present. Bill was preceded in death by his father, Billy Joe Berry, Sr. Mr. Berry is survived by his mother, Janette Berry of Texas; his wife, Julia Booth Berry of Gainesville, GA, who is the daughter of Carl and Jean Booth of Eden, NC; his three daughters, Dawn Berry of McMinnville, Oregon, Ann Kaplan and husband, Dan of Mill Valley, California and Amanda Berry of Gainesville, GA; grandchildren, Madison Rae Kaplan and soon-to-be-born, Harper Josephine Kaplan, due on April 23rd. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service (2 - 3 pm) at Fair Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Network, 2141 Roscerans Avenue, Suite 700, El Segundo, CA 90245 or Northeast Georgia Medical Center Hospice, 2150 Limestone Parkway, Suite 222, Gainesville, GA 30501. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com
Julie I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lisa Shively Harbour
Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Kay Gammon
Julie, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your husband. Your entire family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Janet Murphy Ore
Our prayers and love go out to Julia and the whole Booth family at a time of great loss.I know I speak for all the Ellis' family Of Ray and Lena. May God Bless you all and look to our Blessed Savior,Jesus Christ.He will always be with you... Love Mark Ellis
Mark Ellis
Julie, we were so very saddened to hear of you're husband, Bill's, illness and passing. We didn't know him personally, but if he loved you.... we're sure that he was an awesome person! Our thoughts & prayers are with you & you're entire family. If there's anything at all ya'll need please, please don't hesitate for a minute....no matter what. We love you & may God carry you all thru this & beyond.
Alan & Janet (Aaron) Turner
Julie, Even though we didn't know Bill, our thoughts & prayers are with you, Amanda, & the rest of your family. May God be with your family & give you comfort at this difficult time.
Don & Debra Gelinas
Bill was a great person,he treated all of us hourly people equal,and always had time to say hello and how are things going. My sympathy to all the family.
Ann O'Mara
Julie, Bill was my friend before he was your husband. I admired him form the first time I met him. He has been a good friend, son-in-law, husband and father. Now that he is a grandfather, I hate he will miss all those wonderful years with them. He is with us in our hearts.
Jean Booth
Dear Julie, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you, Aunt, Evon
Evon B, Jones
Julie I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Tammy Hale
Julie, you and your family are in our prayers.
Nathan, Deena, Taylor, Talie and Nikki Jones
Leave A Condolence Below For The Family Of Billy Joe Berry, Jr.:Fill out the form below and Fair Funeral Home will forward this message to the deceased's family and post it on our website. All condolences are reviewed for content before being posted live.
