Geoffrey Berry M.D.

Berry, Dr. Geoffrey. Born November 12, 1927, Leeds, England. Died May 7, 2019, Nashville, Tennessee. Preceded in death by his parents Godfrey and Hannah Berry and one son, Andrew David Jackson Berry. Survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Dora Elizabeth Berry and three children Christopher John Whitton Berry (Louise Godfrey) of Minneapolis, MN; Jane Elizabeth Berry Jacques (John Francis) and Helen Gardiner Berry Holland (Robert Michael) both of Nashville. He is further survived by nine grandchildren Matthew Berry Jacques (Anna); Lindsay Elizabeth Jacques Irving (Brian); Allison Gardiner Holland; Geoffrey Michael Holland all of Nashville; Daniel James Ross Berry of Denver, CO; Hannah Elizabeth Berry Volgraf (Joseph) of Philadelphia, PA; Sarah Elizabeth Berry of Minneapolis, MN; Caton Christopher Andrew Berry; Connor David Jackson Berry both of Dallas, TX; and one great grandchild Sophie Elizabeth Jacques of Nashville. Dr. Berry received his medical degree from Leeds University School of Medicine in 1954, followed by a residency in Anesthesiology at Oxford University School of Medicine. He accepted a position as an Associate Clinical Professor of Anesthesiology at Vanderbilt University, emigrated with his wife and two eldest children to the United States, settling in Nashville in December 1956. Following his naturalization as an American citizen in 1967, Dr. Berry began a long and distinguished career in private practice in Nashville with privileges at both Park View Hospital and Baptist Hospital. He was well known for his wit, good cheer, and devotion to his patients, many of whom still remember him fondly and with respect. Outside of medicine, Geoffrey was a life long learner with a love of history. Geoffrey was also an avid sports enthusiast. He was the founder of the Vanderbilt University Rugby Team and proudly served as Head Coach in the 1970s. He was a devout member of St George’s Episcopal Church and served on its Vestry. He was the beloved storyteller and singer of songs to his grandchildren, to whom he was affectionately known as GanGan. The family wishes to express its sincere appreciation for the devoted care given to him for the last three years by Athena Springer, his special caregiver and friend, and the CareBridge staff at Brookdale of Green Hills. A Service for The Burial of the Dead will be offered on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at St George’s Episcopal Church at 1:30pm. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:00 - 1:30pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to St. George’s Episcopal Church (4715 Harding Road, Nashville, TN 37205), The Harpeth Hall School (3801 Hobbs Road, Nashville, TN 37215), his next door neighbor for fifty-two years, or to the charity of one’s choice. There will be a private burial at The Columbarium at St. George’s Episcopal Church immediately following the service.