Hugh Lawrence "Slim" Berry

Hugh Lawrence "Slim" Berry passed away on Monday, December 5, 2016, in Lincoln, CA at the age of 85. He was born in Anahuac, TX to William and Reba N. Berry on April 11, 1931

He attended Southwest Texas State College, in San Marcos, TX (now known as Texas State University-San Marcos) on a football and basketball scholarship. The 1951-52 basketball team was inarguably the program's finest season, finishing with a 30-1 record and went to the NAIA National tournament in Kansas City. In 1988, he was inducted into the "T" Association Hall of Honor. Graduation in 1952 led him to the Air Force cadet program, followed by 4 years in the USAF Strategic Air Command in the re-fueling division. In 1956, he was hired by United Air Lines where he enjoyed a 35 year career as a pilot.

On June 4, 1953, he married JoBeth Allison in San Antonio, TX. During their life together they resided in Broomfield, CO, until 1969, when they moved to Saratoga, CA. In 2000, they re-located to Sun City Lincoln, CA.

He was extraordinarily dedicated to friends and family, interested in people, their occupations, their health and willingly carried their burdens. He participated in farmer's-market gleaning and was a dedicated hospital companion and sat with families while their loved ones were having surgery. Hugh was mechanically gifted, Mr. fix-it-all and was athletic, relishing windsurfing, fishing, water and snow skiing and golf. He enjoyed landscaping and gardening, music and square dancing, cars, trucks, boats and all things that go, including houseboats, motorhomes, and airplanes.

Affectionately known as Papa Berr, he was the family patriarch and spiritual leader, consistently sharing his faith with others and relying on Jesus for his salvation and daily direction. He was dedicated to his church and served as an elder, usher and in many other roles. In his later years, he developed a strong interest in technology and served on the audio-visual team at his church.

Hugh is survived by his wife of 63 years, JoBeth, daughter, Kris Ann (Wayne) Howard; son, Guy (Janet) Berry; and daughter, Allison (Guy) Martin. Grandchildren Luke (Alexa) Howard, Lawrence (Nina) Howard and Kathleen Howard, Michael, Matthew and Michelle Berry, Kyle and Corey (Brenn) Martin. Great-grandchildren, Emmalyn, Oliver, Isabell and Owen Howard. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Eugenia Borden.

The graveside service will be held at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, Dixon, CA, on Tuesday, December 13, 2016, at 1:00pm.

Memorial contributions can be made to Teen Challenge in Lincoln, CA. http://www.teenchallenge.ws or Lincoln Hills Community Church, http://www.lincolnhillscommunitychurch.org