Obituary of Roland Duffy Berry

Roland Duffy Berry of Columbia, South Carolina passed away July 22, 2015 after a noble and valiant battle with Parkinson's disease. Beloved by his family and friends, Roland Duffie Berry enjoyed people. With a servant's heart, Roland spent his 81 years of life bringing love, joy, music, life lessons and eternal principles to all those in his sphere of influence. From military service in Germany to temple work in the Columbia South Carolina Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Roland approached each of his pursuits with passion and competence. A devoted and dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Roland taught and served others in many ways and capacities, including as the Bishop of the West Columbia Ward for five years. His example of love, charity and dedication to his commitments remain strong with all those who had the distinct blessing to know and love him. The son of the late Clarence Roland Berry and Dorothy Duffie Berry, Roland was the third child born to the family. Growing up on a farm, Roland gained a love and appreciation for the outdoors and animals. From this same home and upbringing he learned and developed a strong discipline of work. He carried that discipline with him throughout his life and it led him to work with several Generals during his military career and also to graduating cum Laude from the University of South Carolina. He met his wife Mary Jean Kimball Berry in Washington, D.C. where they were also married. In September 1967 they were married for time and all eternity at the Salt Lake City Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Roland flourished as a father to his daughter Wendi and son Dale teaching them the love of music, the importance of family and the teachings of Jesus Christ. These same ideals were shared with nieces, nephews, cousins and all those who knew him. Aside from his grandchildren, little made him happier than singing and laughing with others. One of his favorite activities for the Holidays exemplifies his caring and teaching. At Thanksgiving each of the grandchildren is given 5 candy corn pieces, one for each of those most precious gifts for which they are most grateful, and those gifts are shared at the Thanksgiving table. Every Christmas Roland and his family would dress up and act out the Nativity. Roland loved his family, his friends and stands as an example of life well lived. Roland is survived by his loving wife, Jean Berry; children, Wendi and John Semon of Martinsville, Indiana; Dale and Denise Berry of Nashville, Tennessee; sisters, Nita Berry and Linnie Berry of Saluda, South Carolina; grandchildren, Megan, Christian, Melissa, Christina, Lindsey, Presley, Stephen and Jonathon. The family will receive friends at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC 29209 on Monday, July 27, 2015 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Funeral services will be at The Church of Latter Day Saints, 4440 Jackson Blvd, Columbia, SC 29207 on Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC 29229 with military honors.