Joel Halbert Berry Jr.

Joel Halbert Berry, Jr., 97, passed away peacefully in Williamsburg on September 28, 2025. The son of Joel Halbert Berry and Julia Lee Berry, he was born on October 8, 1927 in Norfolk. He graduated from Maury High School in 1945 and was drafted into the US army for one year of post-war occupation service in Guam. He graduated from Washington and Lee University in 1951 and was commissioned an Ensign in the US navy the same year. In 1960, he married Patricia Fisher, who remained by his side for 54 happy years. He is predeceased by his parents, his wife, and his brother William.

His navy career as a surface warfare officer spanned 29 years, including command of USS Forster (DER 334), USS Blandy (DD 943), Navy Recruiting District Miami, and Destroyer Squadron 15. During his command of USS Blandy during the Vietnam War, the ship distinguished itself in combat operations with several battle efficiency and performance awards, including the Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy recognizing the most improved Atlantic Fleet destroyer in battle readiness. He retired from the navy in 1980 at the rank of Captain. After the navy, he owned and managed a real estate appraisal company for 12 years.

He lived with his family for many years in the King’s Grant neighborhood in Virginia Beach, where he made many lifelong friends and countless acquaintances.

Remaining to cherish his memory are his three sons — Col Joel Halbert Berry III, USMC (ret), Michael Fisher Berry, Timothy Lee Berry — daughters-in-law Anne Miren Berry (Joel) and Mary Edgar Berry (Michael) — and grandsons Michael Fisher Berry, Jr., and David Alwin Berry.

Special thanks to his caregivers for taking such great care of him in his final years. A small and simple memorial, as was his wish, is planned at the Freemason Street Baptist Chapel in Norfolk on 10-08-2025 at 2:00 PM. Notes of condolence or memories may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief society at www.nmcrs.org.