Lenard Berry

Lenard Ray Berry, 77, of Montgomery, went home to be with his loving Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, April 27, 2016. He left this world surrounded by loved ones in the home of his daughter, where he had been living since December.

He was reunited in heaven with his loving wife of 39 years, Sara Berry. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Adolphus L. and Lilla Day Berry; sister, Christine Berry Lizana (Hays); and sister-in-law, Jean D. Jefferson. He is survived by his loving sister, Willene B. Cochran (Robert “Randall”); brother-in-law, Ralph Jefferson; son, Gilbert Summerlin, Jr. (Beverly); daughter, Tina Denise Roberts (James “Leland”); granddaughter, Angela Lockridge (Les); grandson, Shannon Summerlin (Malinda); granddaughter, Tonya Roberts Knight (Wayne); grandson, James “Jimmy” Roberts (Christy); granddaughter, Stefanie Roberts Garnett; numerous extended family members including nieces, nephews, great and great-great grandchildren, church family and special friends. He never used the term “step” when referring to his children or grandchildren. We would like to keep it that way, as he never made anyone feel as if they were “step” family. He was a man of God, son, brother, husband, dad, Papa and friend.

Ray was born in Ariton, Alabama and resided in Montgomery, Alabama, for most of his adult years. He retired from Rheem Manufacturing in April 2004, after 32 years of hard work and dedication. He was a former member of Rigsby Street Baptist Church and current member and Deacon of Eastmont Baptist Church. He was consistently serving others while sharing his contagious smile. He always had a story to tell, which usually resulted in great laughter. From his days as a church bus driver bringing countless children to church and Vacation Bible School to worship the Lord, to his most recent delivering of Meals on Wheels and serving dinner at his church on Wednesday nights, he was truly a servant of the Lord with an overflowing servant’s heart.

Ray loved to travel with the senior adults at his church. He loved to laugh and make people laugh. He loved the Lord and was not afraid to share his faith with others. He loved his family and was dearly loved by them, as well. He rarely met a stranger and he loved children. Ray loved to fish. He was a prankster. He loved being at church and adored his church family. Ray was a very special, one-of-a-kind, man. His cherished memory will live on forever and his legacy will remain in the hearts of many here on earth as heaven gained another joyous soul. Those of us left behind will surely miss him.

Funeral services will be held at Eastmont Baptist Church on Monday, May 2, 2016 with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and the funeral beginning at 11:00 a.m. Brother Mike Northcutt will officiate, with added words and songs from other special friends. Pall bearers will be Shannon Summerlin, Trent Hilton, Michael Hilton, Johnny Hilton, Fred Weafer and Kenneth Garner. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Liberty Baptist Church, Building Fund, 574 Liberty Road, Tallassee, Alabama 36078.

Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com.

Linville Memorial Funeral Home
Eclectic, Alabama


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