John Burton Berry

John Burton Berry was born February 24, 1924, in Detroit, Michigan. He was the only surviving child of John and Martha (Williams) Berry.

Following his high school education and electrical technology training, he joined the US Navy during World War II.

After his service as a radio transmitter on board ship, he returned home safely. Soon after his release from the Navy he married Ruby Grubbs, who predeceased him on April 1, 2020.

John was employed by the Detroit Edison Company, Detroit MI for 47 years.

He was father to three children – Carolyn (Waggoner), 1948; Lawrence Douglas, 1951 (who died in infancy), and Loraine Kaye (Rulison) 1954.

Following his retirement at age 62, he and Ruby moved to Amsterdam, NY where he built a new home in the Town of Florida, next to his daughter, Lori. The following year he purchased a house in Boise, ID adjacent to his daughter, Carolyn. Spending half the year in each house, he was able to play an important role as “Grandpa” in all of his six grandchildren’s lives.

John enjoyed many trips to the Great Smoky Mountains, Maine, and Florida. He was famous for his collection of well-worn maps and his preference for always taking the “scenic route”.

He was a quiet and gentle man; a man of strong Christian principles who lived a life of integrity. He was a devoted and faithful husband of 74 years, a loving father and grandfather, but most importantly he was a loyal servant of Christ.

He is survived by his daughters, Carolyn Waggoner of Boise, Idaho, and Lori (Mark) Rulison of Amsterdam, NY; six grandsons – Jared (Teri), Evan, Todd (Jitlada) Waggoner of Idaho; Matthew (Julianne), Aaron (Daryl), and Ben(Leanna) Rulison of New York. He was blessed to enjoy 11 great grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held this spring at Chuctanunda Cemetery in Minaville, Town of Florida, NY.

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