Milton Ray Berkey

GILBERT – Milton R. Berkey, 78, peacefully went to be with “his best friend, Jesus” on Monday, July 1, 2019. Funeral services will be Friday, July 19, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel. Family will greet guests from 9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. and for a short time following the service. The processional will leave Caughman-Harman Funeral Home at 11:15 a.m. led by the Patriot Guard Riders. Interment will be at Fort Jackson at 12:00 noon.

Milt was a social, fun-loving guy who loved cars, clowning around, parades, car racing and animals. He was especially fond of cats and often befriended and adopted strays. Milt was born 4-18-41 and was raised in a Christian home in Glenshaw, PA, a quiet suburb of Pittsburgh, PA. After high school Milt proudly and honorably served in the Navy on three different submarines from 1960 to 1968. He was especially honored to be on the first Gold Team of the Lewis and Clark Submarine SSBN 644, one of the first ballistic nuclear subs during the Cold War.

Following his Navy service he pursued an education degree at California State Teachers College (PA) and began his teaching career in Fox Chapel, PA. Later he taught both drafting and computer aided drafting at Lexington Technology Center in Lexington, SC from 1983 to 2001. Because Milton was very dedicated to helping his students achieve excellence, he was delighted to take several of his high school students to state and national competitions. In addition, his students also participated in the Quiz Bowl.

After school, frequently he could be found enjoying a meal at Rush’s while working on lesson plans. In retirement he looked forward to traveling and his time at the Gilbert Senior Center where he had fun being a Bingo caller.

Recently Milton was a resident of Colonial Gardens where he received quality care. The family appreciated the dedication of all the staff.

Milton is survived by two sisters, Paula Berkey of Columbia, SC and Kathy Moser (Tom) of Lyons, NY; a nephew, Matthew Moser (Melissa) of Baltimore, MD and a niece, Martha Young (Matt) of Clifton Springs, NY. Milton also had one great-niece, Amelia, and four great-nephews, Maddox, Mason, Miles, and Bennett.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse for “Heal Our Patriots” which is a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse. The address is: PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.