James Dairl Berry

James Dairl Berry, 82, of Morganton, NC died Saturday, December 4, 2010. Born in Burke County, NC on June 28, 1928, he was the son of the late Ervin A. Berry and Ida Suttles Berry. Dairl served four years in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Newport News and afterwards was a long-time member of the VFW. He retired from Broughton Hospital after 35 years of service and continued his work as a painter with brothers, Bill and Gene - "The Berry Boys" - until age 80. Dairl was an avid gardener and loved to fish.He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Georgia Haynes Berry of the home; a daughter, Susan B. Peach and husband, Todd, of Morganton; brothers, Bill Berry and wife, Judy, and Gene Berry and wife, Joyce, both of Morganton; a sister, Alton Baker of Morganton; a number of nephews and nieces; and a beloved canine companion, Pearl.In addition to his parents, Dairl was preceded in death by a brother, Bud Berry, and a sister, Betty Berry.The graveside service will be held at 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at Forest Hill Cemetery with Rev. Kenneth Baker officiating. Military honors will be provided by the N.C. National Guard. The family will receive friends at the Sossoman Funeral Home from 11:00 a.m. until noon on Tuesday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Western NC Chapter, 31 College Place, Suite D-320, Asheville, NC 28801 or to North Morganton Baptist Church, 101 View Street, Morganton, NC 28655.