Jim Ed Berry

James Edgar Berry, age 79, of Gatesville, passed away Tuesday, February 20, 2018. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, February 25, 2018 at Scott’s Funeral Home, with Bro. Earl Baugh and Bro. Mike Bragdon officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Restland Cemetery. Jim was born on August 23, 1938 in Gatesville, Texas to Walter and Ruby Mohler Berry. He graduated from Gatesville High School in May 1956. Jim joined the Texas National Guard in December 1960. He then went to Fort Leonard Wood and Fort Riley for six months of training. He was recalled to active duty in 1961 during the Cuban Crisis and served at Fort Polk, Louisiana for nine months. He married Wanda Egger in December 1961. They lived in Gatesville all their married life except for 19 months when he was recalled to active duty starting in May 1968. He served with the 113th Light Maintenance for 17 months at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He began working at M.A.T.E.S. on November 2, 1964 and retired as a supervisor after 30 years. The last five years there were spent on the M.A.I.T. team training and assisting units in Texas. He served in the National Guard for a total of 38 years, retiring in 1998 as a Chief Warrant Officer IV. During that time, he received numerous awards including the prestigious award of being inducted into the Texas National Guard Hall of Honor in 2003 at Camp Mabry in Austin. This award is widely recognized as the crowning achievement of a distinguished career. In 2000, he was blessed with his granddaughter, Kennedy, who he thought could do no wrong. He enjoyed taking care of her and watching her play softball. Jim enjoyed antiquing and spending time in Branson with Wanda, the love of his life. He was a deacon at Gateway Baptist Church from 1974 to the present. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Alice Marie Berry. Jim is survived by his wife of 56 years, Wanda Berry; son, Jeffrey Berry and wife, Donna; granddaughter, Kennedy Berry; and sister, Doris Hoff. Memorials may be made to Gateway Baptist Church, P.O. Box 724, Gatesville, TX 76528