Obituary: Larry Mitchell Berryman
Larry Mitchell Berryman, age 85, left this world for his eternal home on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.
He was born on June 10, 1938, in Essary Springs, Tennessee to Leon and Pearl Richardson Berryman. Mr. Berryman was the oldest of three children; therefore, setting the bar high for the expectations his parents would have for his younger siblings. He resided in the Essary Springs community until the family moved to the metropolis of Bolivar, Tennessee when he was about five years old.
During his school years at Bolivar Central High, Larry was very popular and well-liked by his classmates. He realized what a substantial burden popularity could be, but he was confident he could handle the challenge. Mr. Berryman was voted Best Personality, Most Cooperative, Most Dependable, Most Versatile, Most Initiative, and Most Studious. Larry served as class president his sophomore, junior, and senior years. He was a Boys State delegate his junior year and was named Mr. CHS his senior year. He was involved in numerous other clubs and sports, often serving in leadership roles. Larry graduated with the Bolivar Central High School’s Class of 1956. His involvement in academics, sports, and leadership would leave a legacy for his younger siblings to attempt to continue. During his high school years, he also worked at the Luez Theater. It has been said that all of the teenagers, especially the girls, would come to see whatever was playing just so they might get the opportunity to talk with him.
Leadership and service came natural to Larry, so after graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force. He served overseas during the Korean conflict. Upon his return, he was stationed in San Bernardino, California where he was an air traffic controller. He was honorably discharged in 1962.
A strong work ethic was instilled in Larry by his parents. He was taught the value of hard work, and that nothing in life is given to you. After his discharge from the Air Force, Larry took a position as the personnel manager at Quaker Oats in Jasper, Alabama. He worked in Jasper for six years before being transferred to the Memphis location. Larry later took a position as the personnel manager with Buckman Laboratories. He served in that position until his retirement.
Larry’s position at Buckman Laboratories brought many people into his life, but the most important meeting was that of Regina Pollesel of Brazil. She would become Mrs. Larry Berryman on September 23, 1983. This marriage would last for over 40 years.
Larry had many hobbies and could often be found enjoying the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. Another of Larry’s many talents was woodworking. Numerous family members were gifted his creations, which have become heirloom pieces that will be passed down for generations. Larry also inherited the “Berryman family trait” for playing a mean game of cards. There were many weekends where you could find him, with his younger brother and friends, around a table enjoying a friendly game of poker. After retirement, he also enjoyed spending time at his “office”, Fitzgerald’s Casino.
Larry was well loved by everyone who met him. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Larry was well known in his circle of friends as the one that would always lend a hand. He will also be remembered for his many random acts of kindness.
Larry was greeted in heaven by those that went before him; his parents, Leon and Pearl Berryman; and his younger brother, Wayne Berryman.
Larry leaves a multitude of people to cherish his memory and continue his legacy. He is survived by his wife, Regina of Horn Lake, Mississippi; his sons, Mitch Berryman, and wife Laura of Clinton, Tennessee; Randy Berryman, and wife Anne of Hernando, Mississippi; his grandchildren, Kate Berryman (Stan) of Memphis, Tennessee; Joe Anderson (Kristin) of Racine, Wisconsin; great grandchildren, McKenzie, Charlotte, Willow, and Adalynn; sister, Joyce Tucker of Loganville, Georgia; as well as numerous other relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Essary Springs Cemetery, 1255 Oak Grove Church Road Pocahontas, Tennessee, 38061 C/O Gail Vaughan or to the donor’s choice of charity.
For those unable to attend the scheduled service, a Celebration of Life will be held on a later date at the Memphis Botanic Gardens.
Visitation will be held at Shackelford Funeral Directors on Sunday, April 28, 2024, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. in Bolivar.
Service will be held at Shackelford Funeral Directors on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at 2 p.m. in Bolivar.
Courtesy of Shackelford Funeral Directors, Bolivar, Tennessee.
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