Skip Berry

Skip (Leroy Vernon) Berry, age 61, of Homewood, AL passed away on Thursday, August 26, 2010. The world lost a bright, shining light when Skip Berry lost his short but valiant battle with brain cancer. He is survived by his beloved wife, Dorothy Wozny Berry, and the light of his life, his daughter, Isabella Grace Berry. Also surviving are his parents, Wilson and Angele Berry, of Overland Park, KS; brother, Richard (Mary) Berry, of Columbia, MO; nieces and nephews, Sarah (David) Cranston of Jefferson City, MO, and Daniel, Amy and David Berry of Columbia, MO; along with numerous other family members. Skip had an incredible love for life. He lived each day to the fullest, and he inspired others to do the same. He was sunshine, all bundled up with enthusiasm and a great love for life. The most important thing to Skip was family. As long as he was with Dorothy and Isabella, his world was complete. They loved going to the park, playing games, making tents and hiding inside. Skip arranged his schedule so that he could spend part of each day with Isabella, who is a precious miracle with her Daddy’s curly hair and beautiful brown eyes. Skip gave Isabella the gift of being with her for her special formative years, and those years will be the foundation to guide her through her life. Skip also had a very special and loving relationship with his Dad. They truly enjoyed fishing, laughing, playing practical jokes and simply spending time together. Skip was an avid runner, and he enjoyed many other outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and riding his motorcycle. Skip loved to travel-from Highlands, NC to his favorite Greek island, Santorini. He also loved to cook with friends and family, especially his cousin, Dimitri. Skip was a long time member of Riverchase Country Club. Skip graduated from Florida State University with a degree in chemistry. He served in the Air Force after college and was a pilot. Skip began his long career as a Financial Advisor in Texas. In 1985, he became affiliated with LINSCO and PRIVATE LEDGER and opened his office in Vestavia Hills, AL, where it remains to this day, 25 years later. In 1989, the two companies merged and became LPL Financial. Skip served as Regional Director for the company in 1988 and was soon promoted to Regional VP, recruiting the best talent in finance, and managing offices throughout the southeast. Skip was honored with numerous awards in recognition of his work and took great pride in helping clients make sound decisions about their finances. He cared about his clients, and they loved and trusted him in return. Special thanks go to Carl Finch, Veronica Grey, Lynn Tezza, and Dr. Burt Nabors for all their help during Skip’s illness. On Monday, August 30th, a brief vigil service will be held at 5:30 p.m., which will be immediately followed by visitation with family and friends until 7:30 p.m. On Tuesday, August 31st, a Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Reverend Thomas M. Kelly at 10 a.m. Both services will be held at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Hoover, AL. Honorary Pallbearers are Dave Butler, Ed Jones, Don Tezza, and Steve Wilson. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made in Skip’s name to the Gaining Life Initiative Foundation. All donations will be used for brain cancer research at UAB. Memorials may be sent to Gaining Life Initiative/Skip Berry Memorial Fund, c/o Bill Cash , 4000 Eagle Point Corporate Dr., Birmingham, AL, 35242, or by calling the office at 314-5727. We love and miss you Skip!