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Robert “Rob” German Berry Jr.
(June 13, 1953 – November 15, 2015)
Robert German “Rob” Berry, Jr., 62, most recently of the Shivers community, passed away Sunday, November 15, 2015 at home after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Mendenhall, MS is handling arrangements. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, November 17, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday with a service at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 18 in the funeral home chapel. Graveside services will follow at Florence Cemetery in Florence, MS.
Rob was a beloved son, husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, teacher, and coach. He was born on June 13, 1953 to Robert G. “Cooter” and Mary Louise Berry. He was a 1971 graduate of Provine High School and received both a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree from Mississippi College. A talented athlete, he played baseball in the American Legion League and collegiately for MC. He grew up in Jackson before moving to Florence where he lived for almost 20 years. Following in his parents’ footsteps, he taught in the public school system for Jackson Public Schools and Rankin County School District for a combined 28 years. Rob retired from Florence High School in 2007 where he taught math and had previously coached baseball. He is credited with one of the most successful baseball programs in school history and is warmly remembered by past students as an engaging and thoughtful classroom teacher. He is most remembered as a teacher who wanted to assist those who were most challenged by the subject of math and who helped equip these young people to become successful students. In addition to Florence HS, he also taught for Florence Middle School, Powell Middle School, and Tri-County Academy.
A private man of few words, family has always been extremely important to Rob. He married the former Melinda Cody in 1993. He was the proud father of Robert and Andrew, stepfather of Brooke and Jessica, and “Grandpa Coach” of Summer Grace and Sam. He was an avid sports enthusiast and outdoorsman. He loved animals and rescued many strays, both animals and people. He was a promoter of animal shelter adoption. He coached and supported youth sports throughout the central Mississippi area. He was much loved and well respected by everyone who knew him.
Rob is survived by his wife Melinda of Shivers, his sons Robert and Andrew of Shivers, his stepdaughters Brooke Grainger (Brian) of Birmingham, AL and Jessica Bernamonti of Shivers, his grandson Sam Grainger of Birmingham, his sister Kay Berry of Florence, MS, his mother-in-law Dorothy Cody of Hattiesburg, MS, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents Robert “Cooter” Berry and Mary Louise Berry, his granddaughter Summer Grace Grainger, and his father-in-law Billy Cody.
sign online guestbook www.colonialchapelmageemendenhall.com
