David Wayne Berry

David Wayne Berry went to his eternal home in Heaven on May 28th, 2025, in the year of our Lord. Born on April 21, 1959, in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to Bobby Wayne Berry and Gwenyth Frances Kellogg, David lived a life marked by service, devotion, and love.

From the young age of 14, David proved himself a hard worker, starting on a tobacco plantation and later devoting his life to supporting the defense of the country he cherished. He proudly served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Caloosahatchee, laying the foundation for a lifetime of commitment to his nation.

After his time on active duty, David returned to China Lake, California, where fate introduced him to the love of his life, Alice—a raven-haired beauty who would become his wife and lifelong companion. As Alice lovingly said, “God dropped him off at my front door.” Together, they built a home filled with love and laughter, raising a fiery, beautiful daughter and forming a bond that could not be broken.

David continued his military service in the Seabee Reserves, answering the call of duty during deployments in 2003 and 2008. In 2008, he was recalled to active duty in support of Operation Noble Eagle/Enduring Freedom. For his valor and dedication, David was awarded numerous commendations, including:

National Defense Service Medal (2)

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Presidential Unit Citation

Expert Pistol Shot Medal

Iraq Campaign Medal with Eagle Globe & Bronze Star

Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2)

Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3)

Navy Rifle Sharpshooter Ribbon

Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal (3)

He achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer on September 15, 2006, and retired from the Navy on July 9, 2011. Even in retirement, David remained dedicated to the mission, working as a contractor at China Lake with J&J Worldwide Services, where he trained and certified crane operations until his final retirement in April 2024.

David's heart belonged to his family. He treasured long Sunday phone calls with his mother and siblings, and he delighted in spending time with his grandchildren—even if it meant wearing jewelry, makeup, or enduring electric toothbrush “spa treatments.” Whatever it took to make them laugh, David was there with a smile.

Above all, his deepest love was always for his wife, Alice. He reminded her daily how beautiful she was, whether with a whispered word or, in their early years, by bringing her a rose nearly every day as he came home from night shifts. His was a love story defined by thoughtfulness and unwavering devotion.

David Berry was a patriot, a protector, a provider, and above all, a man who loved deeply and was deeply loved in return. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

David is preceded in death by his father, Bobby Wayne Berry; mother, Gwenyth Frances Berry; and stepson, Phillip Gene Miller.

He is survived by his loving wife, Alice Berry; daughter and son-in-law, Christina and Jerimiah Foy; stepsons Stacey Miller, and Nathan Allen and wife Danielle Fillingham; grandchildren Hayden, Trinity, Dante, Addison, Aurora, Jerimiah Jr., Noelle, and Audrey; brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Susan Berry; sister and brother-in-law, Leigh and Brian Tollison; nephew, Carter; Stepmother Joyce Cole, Sister Andrea Flores and Trish, aunts and uncles many nieces and nephews, cousins, brothers and sisters in arms and friends.

Please join us at the Celebration of Life for David on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Desert Christian Center, 100 E. Bataan Ave, Ridgecrest, CA 93555.