Funeral services for Earnie “Hoot” Berry, 79, of Athens, are scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, June 15, 2013 at the Lake Athens Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Curry and Rev. Bob Reid officiating. Burial will follow in Oaklawn Memorial Park under the direction of Hannigan Smith Funeral Home.
Earnie was born Dec. 25, 1933 to the late Robert “Bob” and Ivy Jewel Trussell Berry in Henderson County. He passed away June 12, 2013 in Athens.
A man with more friends than you can count, Earnie was a devoted family man, hard worker, and dedicated servant for Christ. He enjoyed traveling, especially into the mountains of Colorado; loved to gather with his family for food and fellowship; and appreciated God’s creation while working in the flower beds of his yard while he was able. He was very active in ministry, serving as deacon with several churches for over 40 years. He truly enjoyed all the hours he spent witnessing to the people he came in contact with; he was currently serving as a deacon at the Lake Athens Baptist Church. He worked for Ideal Baking Company for 25 years and Trinity Valley Community College for 12 years.
Earnie is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Sheri Craig; brothers, Hubert “Dick” Berry, Grady “Don” Berry, and John L. Trussell.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Alphinell Berry of Athens; son, Diron Berry and wife Shelley of Athens; grandchildren, Cody Craig and wife Rebekah of Crockett, Tye Berry of Athens, Cole Craig of Athens, Amber Berry and Jason Ellis of Malakoff, Brandy Brown and husband Korey of Athens, Casey Smith of Austin; great-grandchildren, Bentley Ellis, Korbyn Brown, and Brianna Brown; brother, David Berry and Nancy of Tyler; numerous nephews, nieces, and other relatives.
Visitation will be held at the Lake Athens Baptist Church from 5-7 p.m. Friday, June 14, 2013.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lake Athens Baptist Church Parking Lot Fund, PO Box 2417, Athens, Texas 75752.
Pallbearers include Deacons of Lake Athens Baptist Church.
Dr. Douglas Curran, Lake Athens Baptist Church Yokefellows and other deacons will serve as honorary pallbearers.