John "Boochie" Lewis Berry, Sr.

John Lewis “Boochie” Berry, Sr., 86, of Tiptonville, departed this earth peacefully and into the arms of Jesus on Friday, April 7, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family and friends.  Born July 25, 1936 in Tiptonville, he is the son of the late John Frank and Maudie Viola Berry. 

Boochie was a lifelong resident of the Tiptonville community.  He was a commercial fisherman for 62 years, owner of Berry’s Gas Station and Berry’s Bait Shop.  He was well known to his community – to know him was to love him.  He made a lasting impression on all who knew him.  Boochie had a tough exterior but a heart of gold.  He was a mentor to many men and boys throughout his life.  His bait shop was always and still today is the “hangout” for his numerous family and friends.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at the Tiptonville Church of Christ with interment to follow in Tiptonville City Cemetery.

Multiple friends and family will be serving as pallbearers and honorary pallbearers. 

The family will receive friends Monday, April 10^th from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the church.

He is survived by his son, John Lewis Berry, Jr. and daughter-in-law Pam, of Paducah, KY; one grandson, James Berry and wife Michelle Wong of Paducah, KY; one granddaughter Emily Henderson and husband Damon of Paducah, KY; one great-grandson, Tyler Berry of Paducah, KY; and one great-granddaughter, Kinley Henderson of Paducah, KY.  He is also survived by one sister, Connie Berry of Tiptonville; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his dog and river-watcher pal Boo, all of whom he dearly loved.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Madison Berry, who shared his absolute love for the river.  He is also preceded by his life partner, Betty Sue Berry; and four siblings, Ochanon Kirkpatrick, Mildred Baltezor, Billy Berry and Marcus Berry.

The family requests expressions of sympathy be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. www.stjude.org

Funeral services are under the direction of Curry Funeral Home.  We are privileged and honored to serve the Berry family. You may share your condolences and your memories with the family at www.curryfuneral.com.