Gregory Stephen Berry

Gregory Stephen Berry, age 76, of Morganton, passed away at his residence on Friday, November 13, 2026. Gregory was born on February 6, 1950 in McDowell County, West Virginia to the late Schubert Berry and Rebecca Shannon Berry. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of forty-three years, Reta Berry and his brother, Jerry Berry of West Virginia.

Gregory was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, having honorably served his country during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he worked as a coal miner, a profession that reflected his strong work ethic and determination. He had a deep love for the outdoors and found great joy in adventure and being surrounded by nature.

One of his greatest passions was whitewater rafting. Gregory spent many memorable years as a rafting guide on the New and Gauley Rivers with ACE Whitewater, where he shared his love of the water and adventure with countless others. Along the way, he made many lasting friendships, and the people he met through rafting became much more than friends; they became like family. Gregory was known for his humor, adventurous spirit, and memorable sayings. Among his most famous was, “Sometimes you eat the hole and sometimes the hole eats you,” a phrase that perfectly captured his outlook on life and his love for the river.

He is survived by his daughter, Rachael McLean (Nathan), of Morganton; granddaughter, Braelynn McLean; daughter, Shannon Bratton (Craig), of Kentucky; Tessa Cline (Eric), of West Virginia; son, Shamus Berry, of Oklahoma; and grandchildren, Jacob Bratton, Emily Bratton, and Aalyiah Jenkins (Chase), great-grandson, Beckett, and his sister, Rosemary Stone. 

Service information will be announced once finalized.