Thomas Berry

Thomas Berry, affectionately known as "Bo" transitioned from life here on earth, to his eternal resting place in heaven on January 4, 2024. Bo was born on November 5, 1952, in Troy, Alabama to the late Queen Esther Berry and Tommy Arnold. Bo was raised by his mothers, Queen Esther, and the late Dorothy Berry. At an early age, Bo accepted and professed a relationship with Jesus Christ.

 Bo attended Troy State and later received a Bachelor's in Business Administration from Averette University. Bo joined the U.S. Army in 1972 and where after many dedicated years of service he achieved the rank of First Sergeant. During his time in the Army, He served in many leadership positions. His assignments took him all around the world including Germany, South Korea, and Italy. During his service, Bo received many awards and decorations-- six Meritorious Service Medals and the Army Parachute Badge. In July 1992, after twenty years of active service, Bo honorably retired from the U.S. Army.

 Bo was a dedicated individual who held significant affiliation throughout his life. He was an esteemed member of the Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, achieving the distinguished rank of 32, in Germany. Additionally, he was part of the Elmer T. Hawkins, M.W. Prince Hall Grand Lodge No.113 in the jurisdiction of Maryland, contributing to the legacy of this honorable institution. Bo was also recognized for his commitment, having been awarded the Knight of Malta by the Red Cross from the Prince Hall Grand Commandery of Knights Templar, Baltimore, Maryland. His contributions to these lodges will be
remembered with respect and gratitude.

 On August 15, 1987, he was united with his wife Jerelyn and from this union, their daughter Jené was born. Bo was committed to his family and his daughter was his pride and joy. Anything Jené wanted she had - there was no limit. She was truly dad's girl.

 In 1993, Bo was hired by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Public Health Service, Office of the Surgeon General where he served as the Retirement Coordinator for twenty years. Bo received numerous certificates and letters of appreciation for his outstanding service to the U. S. Public Health Service. On December 31, 2012, Bo retired after 20 years. Outside of his government service, Bo was a licensed master carpenter and electrician. He enjoyed using those skills to remodel homes. Bo was known as the neighborhood go to person. Bo loved helping his neighbors by cutting their grass or working on their cars. He was the type of person that would help anyone. Bo had a heart of gold always lending a helping hand. He always said, "maybe one day if I need help, somebody will help me." In his free time, Bo loved fishing, playing pool, playing his guitar, listening to oldies and jazz music, gardening, and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. Bo loved to dance, and he was a big Dallas Cowboys and Alabama "Roll Tide" football fan. He was a big seafood lover and crabs were his favorite.

 Bo leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted and loving wife Jerelyn; daughter, Jené (Vance) Johnson; aunts: Lucile (Homer) Wright, Annie Jean Glasco, Lue Alice (Cal) Copeland; uncles: Clifford Berry, Walter (Gladys) Arnold, Bobby (Adine) Arnold; brothers: Kevin (Vince) Arnold, Willie (Constance) Arnold, Donald Arnold (Deceased), Josephus (Phyliss) Leverette, and Edward Leverette; sisters: Betty Jones, Linda Arnold, Mary Scott, Brenda (Fred) Reynolds, Ramona McClure, Doris (Tommy) Jones, Betty Sue (Winford) Grubbs, Sarah Toney, Rhonda Stallworth;  mother and father in-law, Herbert and Delores Johnson; sister-in-law, Joycelyn (Nelson) Daniels; brothers-in-law, Vincent (Renee) Johnson, Gary Johnson, Carlos (Octavia) Johnson; three dedicated friends, James Fraizer Murray Hall, Sonny Brown, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be at 11:00am on Monday, February 19, 2024 at Green Hills Funeral Home.  His life's legacy will continue to live in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him. He will be remembered as a generous man who offered encouraging words and for the selfless love he showed to others.