Howard C. Berry, 94, of Hayes, died Sept. 28, 2014 at his home.

He was born Dec. 12, 1919 to Hermia and Robert Berry in Gloucester, Va. He graduated from Achilles High School, and served in the U.S. Navy. Howard was a lifelong member of Union Baptist Church, serving his church faithfully as a life deacon, serving on numerous committees and a member of the church choir. Howard was a retired fire chief, having worked at Fort Patrick Henry, Naval Weapons Station and Camp Peary. He was also affiliated with Hogg Funeral Home for many years.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who throughout his life believed faith, family, honesty and integrity were the cornerstones of his success. He will be deeply missed and always remembered by his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, Howard T. Berry; parents, Robert and Hermia Berry; granddaughter, Lauryn Deal Berry; brothers, Robert Berry and Russell “Pete” Berry, and sisters, Lucina Wilson and Janette Berry.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Vernelle Berry; son, Donald Berry and wife Vickie; daughter-in-law, Jenny Berry; grandchildren, Michael Blarek, Matthew Vazquez-Berry, Devin Berry and Justin Berry; and great-grandchildren, Zachary, Mikayla, Zeppelin, Colton and Violet.

Funeral service conducted by the Rev. Richard Whiteheart and the Rev. Bill West was held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2014, at Union Baptist Church. Interment with military honors followed in Rosewell Memorial Garden Cemetery. The family received friends Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2014, from 7-8:30 p.m. at Hogg Funeral Home, Gloucester Point.

In Howard’s memory, contributions may be given to Union Baptist Church, 9254 Guinea Road, Hayes, Va. 23072.