Sgt. Ricky James Berry

Sgt. Ricky James Berry, United States Army (Retired), passed away unexpectedly June 2, 2014 at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville. He was born June 3, 1963 in Waynesboro a son of Jerry R. and Shirley B. Martin Berry McGann. He retired from the United States Army, having served two tours in Iraq from which he received numerous medals. He also served in the Army National Guard. He cherished his time spent during his military career, where he met a lot of great people and kept many of them as his close friends. He was preceded in death by his father, grandparents; Valley and Jim Smiley, Bland and Lucy Martin, Thelma McGann and Herbert Berry, step-brother, Sterling McGann, a sister, Pamela McGann Royer who he loved with all his heart and missed so much, two cousins, as well as numerous uncles. Survivors include his mother Shirley B. Martin Berry McGann and her husband Donald McGann, a brother, Chris McGann and his wife Lisa, step-brother, Jeff McGann and his wife Stephanie, step-sister, Regina McGann Shifflett, brother-in-law, Larry Royer, nephews; Timothy Royer and his girlfriend Monica Larkin, Justin McGann and fiance’ Ashley Via , Stephen McGann, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins that meant so much to him, especially Wesley Lutton who spent a lot of time with him. He also left behind close friends from the military, Doug and Sam who were special to him. Ricky enjoyed Karate, writing, spending time with family, especially watching movies and having long talks with his mother. He was a huge “Big Foot” fan and researcher, of which he later wrote and published a book Big Foot on the East Coast. He loved to joke and laugh and helped everyone in need. He never met a stranger. A funeral service will be held 1:00 PM Monday, June 9, 2014 at the Stuarts Draft Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes with Pastor Billy Coffey officiating. Burial will follow in Augusta Memorial Park with full military honors. Active pallbearers will be Stephen McGann, Justin McGann, Timothy Royer, Doug Armstrong, Jeff McGann and Wesley Lutton. Honorary pallbearers will be family and friends attending the service. The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 PM Sunday, June 8, 2014 at the funeral home. Family and friends are invited to share a memory, send condolences and sign the guest book by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com Arrangements have been entrusted to the Stuarts Draft Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes