Berry Edsell Terry

Berry E. Terry passed away peacefully Sunday night, February 25, 2024 at Kirby Pines at the age of 90. He was born in Mt. Vernon, Arkansas on April 24, 1933 to his parents Virgil Willis and Esther Stone Terry, both deceased. Berry was the youngest of 10 children and the last to pass away. He married his high school sweetheart Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Wilson on August 2, 1952 in Biloxi, Mississippi. They celebrated 71 years of marriage last year. They are blessed with two children and their spouses, five grandchildren and their spouses, and fifteen great grandchildren.

Berry was the only one in his family to graduate from high school, graduating in 1950 from Conway High School and then attending one year at Arkansas State Teachers College. He enlisted in the Air Force in January, 1951. He had a distinguished career in the Air Force, serving for 21 years at Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, MS; 3rd Air Force in London, England; special assignment at Memphis State University as an AF ROTC instructor; Westover AF base in Springfield, Mass; and a second assignment at Keesler AF base in Biloxi. After retirement in 1972 he taught Jr ROTC at Decatur HS in Alabama. During his years in the AF he received three Commendation Medals for Meritorious Service. Berry was appointed Colonel, Aide de Camp, Governor’s Staff on Dec 12, 2002 by the Tennessee Governor Don Sundquist.

Berry asked Jesus to be His Savior and Lord and was baptized at the age of 10. This was foundational to his calling to fulltime ministry where he served for many years: 1980-1986 at 1st Assembly of God, Memphis as Business Administrator; 12 years in Missions Leadership at Southside Baptist Church, Decatur, AL; Family Life Director at 1st Baptist in Hartselle, AL; Sr. Adult Minister and was ordained to the Gospel Ministry at Meadow Brook Baptist in Gadsden, AL; served as Elder while attending Lakewood Baptist Church in Rainbow City, AL. He also had a passion for missions, leading mission trips to Belize, the Freda Harris Baptist Center, Elkhorn, Kentucky and Oneida Baptist Institute Oneida, Kentucky. He served on the Psalms Board at Kirby Pines as Sec/Treasurer until his death. He also served on the Luke Board at the Farms. He helped with the 10 a.m. Sunday Worship services, Thursday night Vespers, as well Operation Shoebox with Samaritan’s Purse and Men’s Prayer Breakfast group.

He had many prayers answered throughout his life including… leading some of his siblings to Jesus and performing the weddings for all five of his grandchildren. He also loved his family through providing many cruises and family beach vacations. He loved Alabama football and never missed a televised game if he could help it.

He was a dedicated follower of Jesus and a prayer warrior with a servant’s heart. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. His heart was for everyone to know Jesus and that was evident in his daily life

A visitation will be held Monday, March 4, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Kirby Pines LifeCare Community, 3535 Kirby Pkwy, Memphis, TN 38115, followed by a memorial service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Visitation and Memorial service will be held in The Performing Arts Center.