John Elwood Berry

Rocky Mount – John Elwood Berry, age 101, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 15, 2026, passing peacefully surrounded by his loving family.

Born on May 3, 1924, in Greenville, South Carolina, he was the second son of the late Reverend John Walter Berry and Lila Woodson Berry. As the son of a Pentecostal minister, Elwood’s childhood was shaped by frequent moves between towns before his family eventually settled in Fayetteville, North Carolina during his high school years. There he participated in many sports and graduated from Fayetteville High School in 1942.

Although deaf in one ear and therefore ineligible for military service during World War II, Elwood contributed to the war effort by working at the Wilmington shipyard repairing Liberty ships. After the war, he returned to Fayetteville and began a career in the soft drink industry as a production supervisor with the local Pepsi-Cola bottler. He later worked with Canada Dry in Fayetteville and Emporia, Virginia. In 1957, he moved to Rocky Mount, North Carolina as a minor partner in the Double Cola Bottling Company. Over time he acquired full ownership, and the business later became the Sun Drop Bottling Company of Rocky Mount.

Elwood was a devoted member of Lakeside Church, where he cherished worship and fellowship with family and friends. He was also a proud Noble Shriner for 64 years.

Known for his love of hospitality and tradition, Elwood and his wife Erma hosted an annual oyster roast for fifty consecutive years. Regardless of rain, snow, or freezing temperatures, the gathering always took place on the first Saturday night after New Year’s Day.

He enjoyed a variety of hobbies including golf, gin rummy, training bird dogs, and maintaining his lawns – continuing to care for four yards until the age of 97. Gaston Lake was a beloved retreat for many years, especially when his grandchildren visited and he took charge of the grill.

Elwood was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Erma Canady Berry; his brothers Ronald D. Berry, Doran J. Berry, James O. Berry, Francis K. Berry, H. Dolph Berry, and Beverly H. Berry; and his sister, Joann Berry Blascak.

He is survived by his sons, John D. “Dick” Berry and wife Nancy of Rocky Mount, Michael K. Berry and wife Cathy of Rocky Mount, and Stephen L. Berry and wife Cindy of Pine Knoll Shores. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren, all of whom were a great source of joy in his life.

A Celebration of Life Service to celebrate Elwood’s life will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 11:30 AM in the Sanctuary of Lakeside Baptist Church, 1501 Sunset Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, with Dr. Jody Wright officiating.  Following the service, the family will receive friends in the Sugg Foyer of the Kincheloe Building.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Spring Arbor for their compassionate care during his time there, as well as special thanks to a devoted Lakeside Church deacon for her kindness and support.  Additionally, the family would like to thank Nash Hospice and Palliative Care for their exceptional care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Falcon Children’s Home – Lila Woodson Berry Scholarship Fund or to Lakeside Church – Gatekeepers Ministry.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.