Benny Berry

Isaiah 40:31: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Benny Lee Berry Sr., 75, of Church Hill, TN went home to be with his Lord and Savior on February 1, 2025. Benny was a man known for his smile, laugh, and love for sharing his faith with everyone he met. He never met a stranger and had a gift for making those around him feel welcomed and appreciated.

Benny's greatest joy in life was his family. He adored his beloved wife and enjoyed aggravating her about anything and everything. He was a hard-working father, very proud of his sons and daughter and their many accomplishments. Nothing brought him more happiness than spending time with his three grandsons, who were the pride and joy of his life.

Beyond his love for family and faith, Benny was a man who knew how to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. He had a deep appreciation for farm life, hard work, old-fashioned country cooking and was known for attending fish fries.

In May 2023, Benny fulfilled his lifelong dream of visiting The Holy Land. He loved telling others that he saw and walked where Jesus was during His time on earth and enjoyed referring to the Apostle Paul as the "Old Apostle Paul.”

Benny attended McPheeters Bend Missionary Baptist Church, where he loved worshiping his Lord and Savior. His church family meant the world to him. Benny also loved visiting Jasper Baptist Church.

Benny retired from Eastman Chemical Company in 2001 after 33 years of service. He retired the second time from BAE in 2015 after 13 years. He loved farming and being outdoors.

When he entered Heaven, I am sure everyone heard him laughing and praising Jesus. He was welcomed home by his parents, Ben and Stella Berry; his brothers, Frank and David Berry; his mother-in-law, Maude Reist; and his nephews, Louie “Bubba” Reist and Mark Stewart.

His faith, love, and laughter continue to shine through the lives of his beloved wife of 56 years, Delores Reist Berry; his sons, Benny Lee and wife Joy of Bristol, VA, and Jeff and wife Eva of Round Rock, TX; and his daughter, Amy and husband Martin Taylor of Church Hill, TN. His pride and joy were his grandsons, Zach Taylor and fiancée McKinsey Christian, Isaac Berry and longtime girlfriend Addison James, and Eli Berry. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law and their wives, Teddy and Donna Reist of Duffield, VA, and Guy and Brenda Reist of Salisbury, NC. Benny is also survived by three sisters Flora Smith, Janie Jones, Priscilla Casey; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

Friends and family may visit at any time at his home in Church Hill, TN.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 from 4:30-6:30pm at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. Funeral services will be conducted at 6:30pm in the funeral home chapel.

Benny will be taken to his final earthly resting place on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 11:00am at Oak Hill Memorial Park. 

Family and friends will meet at the funeral home at 10:00am to go in procession.