Wayne Berry

On November 22nd, 2024, Allen Wayne Berry of Winter Haven, FL passed from this life to his eternal home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Wayne was 72. He was born to William (Bill) and Betty Berry in Newport News, VA on August 16th, 1952. The family moved to Winter Haven in 1955 when Wayne was 3 years of age. He was the middle of three brothers.

Wayne graduated in 1970 from Winter Haven High School. Like all three of the Berry boys, Wayne began his working career in the building materials supply business at Berry Builders Supply, located in Winter Haven, which was started by his father in 1955. “Building materials” was in his blood and other than a brief move to the citrus industry at Paulk Fruit Company, he spent much of his career in the sale and distribution of building materials. This included a family venture into the millwork manufacturing & distribution business known as “Berry Trim and Door”. When the family sold that business, Wayne, who was a salesman and entrepreneur, started his own wood pallet manufacturing and repair business, known as “Haven Pallet”. He operated the business for 30 years before selling the business to his stepson, Jeremy Herndon who had been an integral part of the business for some years. Wayne largely retired after selling the business in 2017.

Wayne’s first marriage was to Debbie Hill Berry, of Winter Haven. Wayne and Debbie had two sons, Adam and Michael, who they loved dearly. He later married Reneah Judah Berry, who he remained totally devoted to until her death in 2014. He had a stepson, Jeremy and a step granddaughter, Ireland. Wayne was a hard worker, but he was also a family man. He cherished extended family, as well as his wife and children. One of the things he was most proud of was his father’s participation in WW II, where as a Captain in the Army Air Corp, he flew 30 bombing missions in the defense of freedom, in the European Theatre. His father instilled in him a deep love for God and Country which endured to the end.

Another highlight for Wayne was his love of the Florida Gators. He held season tickets to Gator Football for decades and was a supporter “through thick and thin”. However, what Wayne may have been known best for, was his large circle of close friends. He was devoted to them and they to him. He epitomized the Proverb that “a friend sticks closer than a brother”. If wealth were to be measured in the number of true friends a person has, then Wayne was truly a wealthy man.

Most importantly, Wayne was a Christian. He entrusted his eternal life to Jesus Christ years ago and lived in the assurance of that salvation. He was a long time member of

Winter Haven Christian Church and was faithful in attendance to hear the Word of God preached.

Wayne is survived by his two sons, Adam Wayne Berry and Michael Aumon Berry of Winter Haven, his two brothers, Wes (Vickie) Berry of The Villages, Dennis (Julie) Berry of Chesapeake, VA, his stepson Jeremy Herndon, a step-granddaughter, numerous cousins, nieces & nephews, and great-nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Bill and Betty Berry, wife Reneah Berry and his first wife Debbie Krieger.

Visitation will be from 10:00AM to 11:00AM Wednesday, December 4th at Winter Haven Christian Church on 6th street NE in Winter Haven. A funeral service will follow at 11:00AM. There will be no processional, but burial will be later that afternoon at the Lake Buffum Baptist Church Cemetery, 6475 Lake Buffum Rd S, Fort Meade, FL.

Remembrances can be made through contributions to Winter Haven Christian Church.