J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

Berry, Rodney C., Jr.

Sunday, April 01, 2007

Rodney Clarence Berry, Jr., 79, of Hopewell went to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 1, 2007. He was the son of the late Rodney Clarence Berry, Sr. and Carol Taylor Berry and the husband of Winifred Berry. Rodney was a graduate of Randolph Macon College, a long time member and past president of the Hopewell Optimist Club, a member of First United Methodist Church, and served his country in the United States Navy. Along with his wife, he is survived by sons, Rodney Clarence Berry, III and wife, Katy, Steve Berry and wife, Sherl and Bruce Berry and wife, Martha; step son, Tom Shumaker and wife, Holly; fourteen grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; brother, Keith T. Berry and wife, Jackie and sister, Marylee Seward and husband, Minor. The family will receive friends at the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 3, 2007 from 7 to 8:30 pm. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday at 11 am. Burial will follow in Dale Memorial Park. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com

Winnie,
I was very sad to hear of Rodney's passing. He was so dedicated to the youth of Hopewell. His energetic spirit and positive attitude will be missed! Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Posted by: Debbie Thompson at April 4, 2007 11:56 AM

WINNIE,
OUR HEARTS WERE SADDENDED WHEN WE HEARD OF THE PASSING OF ROD. WE WILL ALWAYS CHERISH THE FRIENDSHIP WE DEVELOPED KNOWING HIS AS AN OPTIMIST. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND THE REST OF THE FAMILY.

RUTH AND JOHN ROBINSON AND OTHER FORMER LAWRENCEVILLE OPTIMIST MEMBERS

Posted by: RUTH AND JOHN ROBINSON at April 3, 2007 08:11 PM

Winnie, Margaret and I were very sad to hear of Rods passing. We have such fond memories of both of you at various OI meetings. Rod will surely be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Allen & Margaret

Posted by: Allen L. Kidd at April 3, 2007 11:11 AM

There are so many wonderful memories of times spent with you, Winnie, and Rodney. Hope these happy memories help to sustain you through these sad times and in the years to come. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Blessings, Bev

Posted by: Beverly Dawson at April 2, 2007 07:34 PM

We will never forget all that Rod (as most of us knew him) contributed as an outstanding Optimist to Bringing Out the Best In Kids in Hopewell and throughout the Capital Virginia District. Think of the many thousands of kids who benefited directly or indirectly over the years from his efforts.

He and Winnie at his side were always a welcome sight for their positive attitude, willingness to volunteer to help, and that disarming smile and good humor he always shared with everyone he met.

Winnie and the family can be proud of the legacy he leaves. Now for the challenge we face in finding another to fill his shoes in his community and in our District. We all rest assured he has moved on to a better place as our prayers go with him.

Richard Plocica
Immediate Past OI Governor - CapVA District
(Capvagovernor.org)
Vienna Optimist Club

Posted by: Richard Plocica - Pres. OI Past Governors Association at April 2, 2007 05:14 PM