Robert Allen Berry, Jr

Robert Allen Berry Jr., age 70, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday morning, July 16, 2023, in Charleston, SC. He was born on September 6, 1952, in Rock Hill, SC, to Robert Allen Berry Sr and Ellen Glass Berry.

Robert, also known as Robbie, attended Berkeley High School, graduating in 1971, while he worked as a paper boy and a bus driver. He graduated from The Citadel, with a degree in Political Science in 1975. He continued his education at Covenant Theological Seminary, becoming an ordained Presbyterian minister in 1981.

Robert served as a pastor for 35 years at various PCA and OPC churches in South Carolina, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Florida, where he touched the lives of many through his love of God and his dedication to others. He also spent a year after seminary as a missionary in Perth, Australia, in 1982.

Robert had a wide range of interests and hobbies, but his role as a loving husband and father was paramount in his life. He was the keeper of the Glass and Berry family genealogy, as well as a repository of family lore. He had a deep love of history and was an avid reader and a hilarious storyteller. His passion lay in the history of the South. He displayed encyclopedic knowledge of significant events and figures–notably Stonewall Jackson–and delighted in sharing their stories. It was fitting that he made his final home in his beloved Low Country of South Carolina. Robert enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with others including his loyal dog, Chewy.

As a devout Christian, Robert drew strength from his faith and held a special place in his heart for his life verse from Psalm 34:6, which states, "This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles." He had a wonderful sense of humor, often sharing funny stories and bringing laughter to those around him. Robert possessed a genuine interest in and curiosity of people and cherished his time spent with others.

Robert leaves behind his loving wife of 36 years, Myra Estes Berry; four children, Caroline Van Stelle (Matt), Robbie Berry (Tiffany), Joseph and David Estes Berry; a loving extended family, including his mother, Ellen Glass Berry, three sisters, Christine Kelly (Ron), Sarah Berry Tschinkel (Paul), and Martha Berry (Curtis), and his brother, David Glass Berry (Tracey); along with numerous nieces, nephews, and sisters- and brothers-in-law. He is preceded in death by his son Jackson Berry and father Robert Berry, Sr.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday morning, July 22, 2023, at 11 o’clock at Church Creek Presbyterian Church, 2234 Plainview Road, Charleston, SC. The family will receive friends at the church from 10 o’clock until the hour of service. Interment will follow at Biggin Cemetery, Moncks Corner, SC, at 1 o'clock, directed by Russell Funeral Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4550 Montgomery Ave, Suite 1100 N, Bethesda, MD 20814, https://www.cff.org/donate reflecting Robert's desire for a cure for this disease.

Robert Allen Berry Jr. will be remembered as a devoted Christian, a colorful storyteller, and a loving family man. His legacy of faith, kindness, and laughter will continue to inspire and touch the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know him.