Kenneth James Berry

Kenneth James Berry, 63 of Abilene, passed away on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, in Abilene.  A private family service will be held at a later date.  Arrangements under the direction of Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut Street.

Kenneth was born in Alexandria, Virginia on September 12, 1959.  He was the oldest of four siblings.  Most of his life was spent working for East Texas Utility Services in Jacksonville, Texas.  Abilene was where he was raised by his parents, Charles and Violet (Berry) Schaff.  He attended Radford High School in Honolulu, Hawaii, and Abilene High School.

On July 1, 1983, he married Jeannie Bryan and together raised a daughter, Desiree Bryan.  Kenneth was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish, camp and swim and, unbeknown to his dad, would skip school and hang out with the local Hawaiians and learn to surf.  His favorite NFL team was the Washington Redskins, now the Commanders.  As a young boy growing up, they were his team, and he stayed loyal to them, win or lose.  His sister Alisa was an Eagles fan and her husband Johnny, a Cowboys fan.  You can only imagine the tension during gamedays!  His kindness and gentle spirit will be remembered and missed by all who knew him.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his father, Charles Schaff, Uncle John Ferguson, niece Tana Simpson, nephew Clay Ferguson and his beloved sister, Alisa Davis.  He is survived by his mother Violet Schaff of Brownwood (formally of Abilene), daughter Desiree Bryan of Abilene, sister Melissa Simpson and husband Steve of Early and sister Lisa Berry of Abilene, and four nieces and nephews, Teresa Barnes of Coleman, Tony (T.C.) Jimenez and wife Sharon of Abilene, Jakab Berry of Abilene and Austin Simpson and wife ShaunnaKay of Early.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation be made in honor of Kenneth to your favorite charity.