Mr. Thomas Jacob Berry

Thomas Jacob Berry was born on October 1, 1916 to the late Professor James Robert Berry and the late Daisy Ambrose Berry. He was the youngest of four children, all of whom preceded him in death: the late Harriet Elizabeth Berry, James Gaillard Berry, and Lillian Berry.

Jake, as his friends and family knew him, was educated in the schools of Griffin. He also attended Presbyterian College, graduated from The Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Southern, Mercer University, and University of Georgia.

He taught in the Griffin-Spalding School System retiring in 1978.

He taught advanced math and science, was a principal, a counselor, and a PECE Coordinator at time of retirement.

Jake, was a lifetime member of the First Presbyterian Church, joining at an early age. He served in many capacities: Sunday school teacher, church treasurer, youth advisor, Deacon, Elder and choir member.

Soon after Pearl Harbor, Jake volunteered and joined the Army Air Force on December 29, 1941. He was sent to Australia where he was assigned to 5th Air Force, the only Air Force to be formed overseas. He served in the South Pacific Arena, stationed in Australia, New Guinea, and the Philippines. Upon his discharge he returned to Griffin, where he made his home for the rest of his life.

He married Camille Proctor on January 25, 1945 and enjoyed a beautiful happy marriage for over 70 years. He is survived by his wife, Camille Proctor Berry. He is also survived by three sons: Thomas Jacob Berry, Jr., Robert Proctor Berry, and William Ambrose Berry. Also surviving are his daughters-in-law Rebecca Biles Berry and Dorothy Zahurak Berry.

Grandchildren: Dr. Anna Berry and her husband, John Chescavage; Harriet Berry and her husband Jason Tidwell, Alex Berry, Brett Berry, and Alice Berry. Also surviving are two great grandchildren: Adeline Camille and Lucien Jacob Chescavage. Also surviving are nephew James G. Berry and niece Cathy Berry Woods and her husband, Ken.

Jake Berry was a member of the Golden K Kiwanis Club, having served as president and Lt. Governor. After his retirement he volunteered in many areas, working with the America Cancer Society, transporting patients to and from treatment, delivered meals on wheels, served on Boy Scouts Council. Jake was a member of the Griffin-Spalding Hospital Auxiliary serving for 28 years and working over 8000 hours. He sang in his church choir most of his life starting as a teenager.

Jake was a gentle, loving man and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He will be singing bass in the Heavenly Choir for all eternity.

Funeral services for Mr. Thomas Jacob Berry will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at 11:00 AM in the First Presbyterian Church. Rev. Drew Elling will officiate. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Monday, April 20, 2015 from 6-8 PM at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank the Brightmoor Hospice staff for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, Jake requested donations be made to the Music Ministry of First Presbyterian Church, Griffin, GA.

To pay condolences online to the family, please do so at www.haistenmccullough.com.

Haisten McCullough Funeral Home, 1155 Everee Inn Rd. is in charge of arrangements.