Bristol, Tenn.
James Roland Berry, 88, of Bristol, Tenn., went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 31, 2021, at his home.
He was born on October 26th, 1932, in Johnson City, Tenn., to the late Leroy A. Berry and Dora Belle Day Berry. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by six brothers, Harold, Stanley, Lonnie, Doward, Raymond and Leroy and one sister, Dorothy Berry Campbell.
James was a graduate of Lincoln Memorial University and was an inductee into the baseball hall of fame.
Mr. Berry had served as principal of Cleveland Elementary School, Bethel Elementary School and Greendale Elementary School. He later taught for many years at Rhea Valley Elementary School and Wallace Middle School. Following retirement, he taught at Mountain Empire Baptist School where he received the Tennessee Teacher of the Year Award.
He was a member of New Grace Baptist Church in Bristol, Tenn.
Survivors include his wife, Judy Berry; five children, Randy Berry (Rita), Heather Reagan (Jack), Marcus Berry, Paula Carrier (Richard), Pam Sword (David); eight grandchildren; six great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Caris Hospice and Silver Angels for their compassion and care.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 3, 2021, at New Grace Baptist Church with Bro. Sam Haynes officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the service.
Pallbearers will be Richard Carrier, Ben Beach, Josh Baptist, Curtis Epperson, McClaine Carrier and Roger Stevens.
Flowers are appreciated or memorial gifts can be made to New Grace Baptist Church, 3055 W. State St., Bristol, Tenn., 37620.
In accordance with Covid-19 regulations, the funeral home requests the use of face coverings while attending the services.
Frost Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Mr. Berry.