Wayne Berryman

Wayne Berryman, age 78, passed from this life on Tuesday, January 26, 2021, leaving behind a legacy of greatness.

He was born on October 29, 1942, at the hotel in downtown Pocahontas, Tennessee. He was the third and final child of Leon and Pearl Richardson Berryman, thus setting up a life of being coddled and spoiled. When he wasn’t residing in Mr. Basden’s office for some shenanigan that was probably expellable, he attended classes at Bolivar Central High School, and he graduated with the class of 1960.

Wayne somehow convinced Janice Ruth Howell to spend forever with him and on May 12, 1978, he sealed the deal before she could change her mind. He considered himself the luckiest man alive. He would spend the next 42 years, 8 months, and 14 days making sure she knew just how much she was loved. Legend has it that the first time he saw her, he knew that he would spend the rest of his life with her. This marriage brought many wonderful things, but the greatest blessing was that of, what he referred to as, his three “boys,” Crystal, Kelly, and Carman. He was the most amazing dad. He made sure his girls learned many of life’s important lessons - one of those being the difference between wants and needs. If they “wanted” something, there was a very slim chance that he would hand over the money; however, if it was a “need” you could almost guarantee that the item would be purchased. He spent many a morning doing the school drop-off where the words, “Shortcut! I can’t hold on, but I’ll hold on” could be heard resounding through the vehicle by both passengers and driver. Just when he thought being a father was the pinnacle of his existence, along came Mary and Sam, who promoted him to “Pop.” He spent many days following their every command, making Sonic runs, and teaching them to play a mean game of cards.

Wayne worked hard at his job - after all, he had to support a house full of women. He was a butcher by trade and was employed by Bolivar Packing Co. in Bolivar and Dowdy Packing Co. in Somerville, losing a finger and a half while slicing pork-chops. He was employed by Kasco Corporation (St. Louis, Mo) for 23 years. Wayne took his job seriously. He led by example and expected everyone around him to work just as hard as he did. He retired in December 2005 as the Division Manager of the western half of the United States.

Wayne’s other loves were cards, cooking ribs, and professional sports. He was known far and wide as one of the best poker players in West Tennessee, and for many years could be found on Friday nights around a table for a friendly game with his friends. He made sure to impart his card playing talents on his kids and grandkids, ensuring that no one would play cards with them for fear of losing. He loved cooking ribs and whole hog barbecue over his custom made hickory pit and using his secret recipe seasoning, once winning a paid entry to Memphis in May. His ribs were famous and people would vie for an invitation to one of his annual cookings. One would never find a more dedicated L.A. Dodgers and Washington Redskins fan. He loved them through the good years and bad years, and he was quick to call his future son-in-law and ask him, “How about them Dodgers?” when they won this year’s World Series. He could also be found playing PacMan and Super Mario.

If one were around Wayne long, one quickly found out that he had a very dry sense of humor and had the best one-liners. He loved life, had a compassionate heart, and was not easily angered. He thanked God for every day he was given. The world was a better place for having him in it and all could count themselves blessed for having known him.

Wayne leaves a passel of people to cherish his memory and ensure that he is never forgotten. He is survived by the love of his life, Janice; his daughters, Crystal Anderson and husband Jason of Bolivar, Tn; Kelly Berryman of Bolivar, TN; and Carman Berryman and her fiancé Jeffrey Haas of Augusta, GA; his grandchildren, Mary and Sam Anderson of Bolivar, TN; his siblings, Larry Berryman and wife Regina of Horn Lake, MS and Joyce Berryman Tucker of Loganville, GA, He is also survived by a daughter from a previous marriage, Kathy, and grandson Garrett.

THE FAMILY REQUESTS THAT ANYONE ATTENDING THE VISITATION OR SERVICE FOR MR. BERRYMAN WEAR A MASK OR FACIAL COVERING.

While visiting or attending services for Mr. Berryman, please consider the following guidelines:

* Maintain 6 feet between yourself and the next closest person;
* Refrain from hugs and handshakes;
* When you sneeze or cough, use your elbow to cover your nose and mouth;
* Wash your hands often;
* Avoid touching your face; and
* Minimize time spent in places where people gather.