Paul Keith Berry

Paul Keith Berry, 68, of Titusville, FL, formerly of Ridgeland and Beaufort, SC, was called home by his Lord and Savior on Oct. 9, peacefully at home and surrounded by family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Kathy T. Berry; four children, Camille (Anthony) Welch, of Cresco, PA, Summer (Antonio) Lozano, of Harlingen, TX, Jenni (Anthony) Colucci and Holland Berry, both of Titusville, FL; nine grandchildren, Logan, Jakob, Aneleise, Bailey, Tsehaynesh, Isabella, Willow, Autumn, and Antonio; and one great-grandchild, Braylen. Paul is also survived by two loving sisters, Sandra Berry (Rhett) Boyd of Ridgeland and Donna Berry Cheema of Beaufort, one uncle, Jack K. (Frankie) Berry of Savannah, GA, along with many close nieces and nephews.

Paul was born Nov. 12, 1949, in Ridgeland, SC, to Ervin H. and Elaine U. Berry, who both preceded him in death. Paul was also predeceased by his brother, Ervin H. 'Hal' Berry of Ridgeland, SC.

A 1967 graduate of Ridgeland High School, Paul then attended Georgia Southern University. It was here that he met the love of his life, Kathy Tuggle. The two graduated in 1972, and married later that year, on Nov. 18, 1972. He became active in the Ridgeland Baptist Church, serving as a Deacon from 1974 - 1978. Paul joined his father to work in a family business, Berry Home Builders, later becoming President and moving to Beaufort in 1984. He remained there until 1991. During this period, Paul was President of Beaufort-Jasper Home Builders Association, Beaufort Realtors Association, and Beaufort Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International. Paul and his family later settled in Titusville, FL.

Paul Berry was a man of many hats, both literally and figuratively. Literally, he was not ashamed of his bald head, but had an affection for faded and/or paint splattered baseball caps; he said it gave them character. Figuratively, he meant many different things to many different people: husband, son, dad, brother, friend, teacher; but his favorite title of all was “Grandaddy.”

A conversationalist in the truest sense of the word, he relished an opportunity to talk with anyone about any topic. His conversations often led to storytelling, but most often, an offer of prayer - to encourage others was always his goal, second only to the goal of leading as many people to Jesus as he possibly could. In 68 years, Paul Berry never met a stranger.

We will remember most his devotion to God, love of his neighbor, and smile of the most contagious nature. An abundance of kindness and a gracious spirit found a home in Paul. Those he knew on Earth will miss him dearly, but should remember he is rejoicing in the arms of our Creator, free of physical bounds, beaming down on all of us.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 pm, Saturday, October 20, 2018 at Ridgeland Baptist Church with burial to follow in the Ridgeland Cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 3:00 pm until the hour of the service at the church.