Kenneth Everett Berry's Obituary
Kenneth Everett Berry, 64, went to be with the Lord at Haven Hospice March 30th , 2015, from a short-term illness. He was born November 8th, 1950 in Tampa, Florida. He is survived by his twin children, Jennifer Diane Baldwin (Cristopher) and Matthew Everett Berry (Patricia), two grandchildren Blake and Paige Baldwin, mother Miriam and brother Michael Allen (Kathleen). He was preceded in death by his brother Steven Granville (deceased 1982) and his father James Edgar (deceased 1982).
Ken graduated from Williston High School where he was a runner on the track and field team and played lead guitar in the strings band, winning competitions in both. Ken loved music and played lead guitar for a band in his youth called Gerry Vaughn and the Variations, playing at weddings and events for over a decade. He also enjoyed leading worship at church services for many years.
He began learning his trade as a skilled steamfitter and welder as an apprentice working on the completion of the Magic Kingdom for it’s grand opening in 1971. In 1974 he was accepted as a member of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union 234 and remained an active member until his death. He was employed under the Union until he began working for the University of Florida as a Steamfitter in 1999.
Ken was a loving, devoted father, grandfather and son, always putting his family first. He was known for his quiet disposition, kind spirit and light-hearted sense of humor. His greatest enjoyment in life was his family and the people he formed relationships with even in the smallest of ways.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Ken’s home church of 16 years, The Rock of Gainesville, 9818 SW 24th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32607.
A celebration of life service will be held Thursday, April 2, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at The Rock of Gainesville, 9818 SW 24th Ave. with Pastor George Brantley, Pastor Ron Hyatt and Dennis Douglas officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 1, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME WESTAREA, 823 NW 143rd Street.
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