Zoom Streaming for the service of Mr.  William Berry

- Member ID - 82225696654             Passcode - 794452

Mr. William Edward "Smokey" Berry, 64 of Charlotte, transitioned to his heavenly home on Thursday, July 1, 2021 at Novant Presbyterian Health.  He was born February 25, 1957, oldest of six children (2 deceased) to the late William F. and Janie L. Graham Berry.

William embraced the responsibilities that often come with being the oldest child.  All of his siblings admired and respected him for the role he played as leader in the family.  Educated in the Charlotte Mecklenburg County School System, he was a 1975 graduate of Garinger High School.  A great supporter of athletics, William enjoyed basketball, football and baseball which were also important in his adult life.

William's first job was with P.C. Godfrey where he worked with heating and air conditioning over five years.  From there, he worked with Carolina Machinery for two years before landing a position with the NC DOT-Hwy Maintenance as a Supervisor I.  He maintained his job until an accident in 2012 limited his ability to work.  He retired from the Department in 2017.  During his time there he served on the State Employee Association of North Carolina where he lobbied  for benefits for state employees.  He also completed many classes and certifications offered by the NCDOT to meet federal, state and departmental requirements.  William further completed training that provided the knowledge and skills needed to improve the work performance of those he supervised.

William was a very active member of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina and Affiliated.  He served as Treasurer and Worshipful Master of Paul Drayton Lodge #7.  He served as the past Advisor to the Knights of Pythagoras, a group of young men between the ages of 8 & 18 years of age sponsored by his Lodge.  He further served as the District Deputy of the Knights of Pythagoras, overseeing two Councils.  He was also a member of Holy Royal Arch Masons PHA where he served as Secretary and Excellent High Priest.  As a member of the Prince Hall Grand Council Royal and Select Masters, he served as Thrice Illustrious Master and investigated new applicants.  For the Grand Tarheel Grand Commandery Knights Templar, PHA, he served as Eminent Commander.  William also served as the 1st District Deputy of the Mountain Region, overseeing four Commanderies located in Charlotte and Monroe, North Carolina.

As a member of New St. John Baptist Church for over 30 years, William was a very active and dedicated member.  Deacon Berry served wherever and whenever he was needed.  Whether it was making spaghetti for Vacation Bible School or picking up and helping to package the Christmas fruit bags, you could always count on Deacon Berry.  He was ordained as a Deacon in 2003, and served on the Deacon Board where he was also Chairperson for 5 years.  Other positions Deacon Berry held were:  Trustee; the Advisory Council; the Men's Ministry (Chairperson); the Outreach Ministry; and the Health and Wellness Ministry.  His financially sound thinking made him a valuable asset on the Finance Committee and the Fundraiser Committee.  Very versatile, he was also a member of the Pastor's Aid, and assisted the Kitchen Committee when needed.  As Bereavement Coordinator, he assisted those in mourning and delivered bereavement boxes.  Deacon Berry sang with the NSJBC Men of Praise and was a former member of the Stars of Faith Choir Gospel Choir.  In his spare time, Deacon Berry enjoyed cooking, gardening, fishing, and bowling.

Deacon Berry believed in total involvement, which is what he applied to every aspect of his membership.  Not one to be a mere spectator, this Man was all about full immersion into whatever endeavor he sought.  Serious health concerns curtailed some of his activities, but not his enthusiasm.  His dedication remained frim.  He summed up his life and his commitment nicely by saying, "I just want to be a servant of the Lord." Yes, He was that servant.

William is survived by his wife of 40 years, Denisa Berry; sons, Jino Berry and Dontavius Berry, both of Charlotte, NC; two granddaughters, Zah'Rhyia Berry, Charlotte, NC and Ameea Berry, Rock Hill, SC; and three grandsons: Malachi Davis, Jacques and Correon Gardin, Gastonia, NC; godfather of Mason Sims, Charlotte, NC; one sister, Bertha Berry Neal (Albert), brothers, Henry L. (Carol) Berry; and Denny Berry all of Charlotte. Other survivors include aunts: Rosa Dargin, Doris B. Spears, Mary L. Boyd, and Daleatha Hunter, all of Charlotte, NC; two uncles, Joseph Mercer and Calvin Davis, Charlotte, NC; nine nephews, six nieces, seven great nephews and six great nieces; three brother-in-laws; Grant Able (Virginia), Willie Able (Benita), and Vincent Able, all of Charlotte, NC are also touched by his absence.  Upon occasion, "a union of families results in a union of hearts".  This is the relationship that Deacon Berry had with his father-in-law, Willie Able.  The love, warmth and adoration that he had for his mother-in-law, the late Sarah Able, will be reflected when they meet on the other shore, just it was reflected in life.  What a great reunion that will be!