Rev. Herman Rentz Berry

Rev. Herman Rentz Berry, 89, husband of Caroline Vermeland Berry, passed into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 1, 2026.

Rev. Berry was born on July 18, 1936, in Bowman, to the late Robert Berry and the late Pearl Elizabeth Duke Berry as the youngest of nine children. Rev. Berry graduated from Southern Methodist College and Columbia Bible College, where he nurtured his unwavering faith and commitment to biblical teachings. His life's work was to bring the message of hope and salvation to many, serving as a minister in the Southern Methodist Conference for over four decades.

Rev. Berry's ministerial journey led him to serve at various churches, passionately sharing the love of God and inspiring countless individuals. His dedication to the faith was most evident in his work with Grace Bible Church in Greenville, a loving community he helped establish and where he served until his retirement.

Beyond his ministerial duties, Rev. Berry was a man of integrity and a faithful husband. He and his first wife, Mary Carol Azlen Berry, had three children, Timothy, Carol, and Linda. He later enjoyed his second marriage to Caroline Berry from Sumter, SC. He prayed daily for his children and grandchildren.

He was a man of varied interests. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as tending to his yard and gardening. He loved old hymns and his dog Bobo. A fervent baseball enthusiast, he cherished the camaraderie and excitement of the game. Yet, his greatest passion remained the study of the Bible, a practice that enriched his sermons and personal life alike, continually deepening his relationship with God.

Survivors include his wife, Caroline Vermeland Berry of Pawleys Island; three children, Timothy R. Berry (Julie) of Fountain Inn, Carol Amanda Barnhardt (David) of Pensacola, FL and Linda E. Clipperton (Donald) of Greenville; 12 grandchildren, Jessica Ilg, Joshua Berry, Ryan Berry, Philip Lecture, Dan Barnhardt, Ben Barnhardt, Nathan Barnhardt, Esther Turner, Elizabeth Clipperton, Rebekah Kidd, Jacob Swen and Lida Clipperton; 13 great grandchildren; two step children, Becky Minegar (Steve) of Sumter and Robert Vermeland (Kathy) of Andrews; three step grandchildren, Keith Boone (Caroline), Amanda Keenan (Jared) and Andrew Vermeland; three step great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Alzen Berry; and numerous brothers and sisters.

An inurnment service will be held at 2 PM Saturday, February 7, 2026, in the Bowman Memorial Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1:30 PM – 2 PM Saturday at the graveside.

Online condolences may be left at www.ridgewayfh.com

Ridgeway Funeral Home of Georgetown is in charge of the arrangements. (843) 485-4242