Tony Howard Berry

In Loving Memory of Tony Howard Berry

May 5, 1954—November 2, 2025

Tony Howard Berry, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, passed away peacefully at home on November 2, 2025 at the age of 71. As he was ushered into eternity, he was surrounded by the loving presence of his whole family, whose lives he enriched with love, lots of laughter, hard work, and an unwavering faith and devotion to Christ.

Born May 5, 1954 in Birmingham, AL, Tony lived a life rooted in faith, service, and family. As a dedicated member of his church community, he served as a deacon, sang in choirs, taught Sunday school, and spent countless hours in other roles advancing the gospel of Christ—both inside the church building and while living everyday life. His deep and unwavering faith in Jesus was so transparent that even during the declining stages of his degenerative neurological disease (PSP), his one habit that remained solid was his continuous reading of the Bible throughout his day. It was a comfort and testimony to the family to know that during his drastic declines of memory and cognitive abilities, a clear outflow of his heart and spirit was for his relationship with Christ.

A deep love for family was his foremost earthly desire, and it was felt by all of them. Whether gathering around the table, playing in the backyard, attending children’s and grandchildren’s events, or simply storytelling, he consistently sought out time with family, cherishing every moment.

Athletic and energetic, Tony not only enjoyed playing sports, but he also loved cheering on his favorite team as a season ticket holder…Roll Tide Roll! Learning guitar and snow skiing were a few hobbies Tony enjoyed later in life. Boating, camping, traveling the world to see cultures and historical places, especially by cruising, allowed great opportunities for learning and simply enjoying this beautiful life with both family and friends.

Tony also excelled in his profession as a salesman of industrial hydraulics and pneumatics. He was a member of the National Fluid Power Association and won numerous salesman of the month and salesman of the year awards. His gifts of integrity, honesty, and loyalty to everyone, including his customers, afforded him the ability to build relationships in all walks of his life.

Tony is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Karen Gilleon Berry; his two children, Carmine Berry Loper (John), and Justin Berry (Summer); his nine grandchildren, John Anthony, Eli, Alex, Chloe, Mia, Zeke, Valery, Lily, and Cameron; his sisters, Deborah and Tena; his brother-in-law Gary (Mary Ann); and a niece and several nephews who thought of him as a father. He is preceded in death by his parents Truman and Elaine Berry. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his love, hugs, sarcasm, dry sense of humor, joyful laugh, and quick wit.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on November 8, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Pleasant Grove, beginning with visitation at 10:00am and the service at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to be made in Tony’s honor to First Baptist Church of Pleasant Grove’s Operation Christmas Child outreach, Christian Life Church of Birmingham’s (Valleydale Road) children’s and youth departments, and Bethel Baptist Church of Pleasant Grove’s children’s and youth departments.

One of the many verses underlined in his well-worn Bible:

Psalm 25: 4-7

Show me your ways, Lord,

teach me your paths.

Guide me in your truth and teach me,

for you are God my Savior,

and my hope is in you all day long.

Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love,

for they are from of old.

Do not remember the sins of my youth

and my rebellious ways;

according to your love remember me,

for you, Lord, are good.