Joseph “Jody” Taylor Berry of Toney, AL, 60, passed away on Sunday, April 10th. Jody was born August 24, 1961, in Huntsville, AL. He attended Randolph School and later graduated with honors from Oakwood University. He remained in northern Alabama where his career included hospital psychiatry, commercial realty appraisal, and financial management. He ultimately chose a profession in agronomy and landscape management, where his expertise was valued by professionals and hobbyists alike.
Jody grew up hunting and fishing, playing several sports, and performing in the theater. He met his eventual wife, Sonia, in 1979 after singing onstage in a musical. The couple lived on a small farm where Jody enjoyed an outdoorsman’s life. He was a great animal lover who never went without a pet dog and was always eager to rescue stray animals that came around. For over 40 years, Jody enjoyed owning and working with Quarter Horses. One of his greatest privileges was raising a foal named Money.
Jody was predeceased by his brother, William Berry; and parents, Joseph Berry and Cecelia Burnam. Survivors include his wife, Sonia Berry; sister, Susan Clanton (Robert); brother-in-law, Robert Akins (Anna); nieces and nephews, Ethan Clanton (Jennifer), Anna Kate Coffey (Aaron), Nicholas Akins, and Ella Akins; five grandnephews and one grandniece.
Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. on April l9th in Huntsville, AL at Ascension Lutheran Church, with a memorial service following immediately.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Huntsville Humane Society.
