Major Paul Clifton DeBerry Jr. passed away peacefully Sunday, June 13, 2026, surrounded by his beloved family. He leaves behind his legacy of dedication, hard work, honor, and love.
Paul served in the United States Air Force from his enlistment in 1964 to his commissioned retirement in 1990. He served in numerous key roles, including POW Resistance Training Interrogator and Instructor, NCOIC Intelligence in Vietnam, Airborne Intelligence Superintendent in Thailand, and earned a Master Parachutist rating. After being commissioned, Paul completed Officer Training School as a Distinguished Graduate and went on to become a Commander at Sheppard Air Force Base and later Base Commander at RAF Weathersfield. Paul served with honor and distinction throughout his career, earning a Bronze Star Medal and an air medal, among others.
Paul loved to learn, and in addition to the education and training he completed through the Air Force, he ultimately earned two master’s degrees, a Doctorate of Education, and became a Professor of Education.
Paul was an avid reader and book collector, with a notable Hardy Boys collection. He loved films, trains, and creating. His love for the printed word inspired his own writing as a poet and essayist, but his creative pursuits were diverse, including acting, woodworking, and guitar. He was a true renaissance man, and a wonderful one.
Paul was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Ann Mabry DeBerry and father, Paul Clifton DeBerry Sr.
Survivors include his wife, Melissa Stewart DeBerry, son, Christopher DeBerry (Arin) and granddaughters, Claire and Ella; daughter, Shannon DeBerry and granddaughter Aleeyah; daughter, Mardi DeBerry (Tim Umstead) and grandchildren, Evie and Moses; son, Paul DeBerry (Loren Gmachl); former wife, Gloria DeBerry, mother of Chris and Shannon; and faithful friends Bill Reigle and Wayne Gmachl.
