Russell Berry

Russell "Allen" Berry, 69, of Prince George, went to be with the Lord on Friday, July 1, 2011 at John Randolph Medical Center. He was born October 5, 1941 in Page County, Virginia. Mr. Berry was preceded in death by his father David Russell Berry, mother Mary Shenk Stegall and step-father, Billy Ray Stegall. Russell, also known as Lapdog, was a United States Navy Veteran, Boilermaker Local 45, Ironworker for the Local 28 and later retired from Honeywell in Chester. After his retirement, he enjoyed his part-time job driving a truck for the United States Postal Service. He was a member of the American Legion Post 284 and was part of their recreational softball team. Russell enjoyed playing golf, restoring cars, NASCAR, watching birds, outdoor planting, gardening and raising honey bees. He always looked forward to fishing during his summer vacation in Hatteras. Russell is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Helen Spain Berry; daughters, Stephanie Berry Groves and husband, Scott, Debra Harper and husband, Bobby Creech; son, Robert Thomas Cox "Bubba" all of Colonial Heights; grandchildren, Devin Groves, Brooke Groves, Augusta Ackerman and husband, Lin, Robbie Cox, Kimberly Cox; great-grandchildren Breannah and Molly Ackerman; a brother, Walter Berry of Hopewell; special friend and brother-in-law, Bernard Spain and wife, Libby of Chesterfield; special friends Danny and Jean Songer; and several beloved nieces and nephews. He delighted all that knew him with his beautiful smile and contagious laughter and he will be greatly missed. A graveside service will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 6, 2011 in Sunset Memorial Park Chester, Virginia. The family will receive friends Tuesday, July 5, 2011 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Home and Crematory 2033 Boulevard, 23834. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans Petersburg Chapter 47, P.O. Box 1846, Petersburg, Virginia, 23805.