Ricky Goss Berry

Longview – Ricky Goss Berry, 61, of Gilmer passed away peacefully in his home, August 15, 2016. Ricky was born in Jackson, Mississippi on May 13, 1955. Ricky Goss Berry was born to mother Sara Goss of West, MS. Anyone who knew Ricky knew how much he loved and adored his mother. When she made the move from West, MS last year he so full of joy and was over the moon. He couldn’t wait to have coffee and breakfast on the way to work in the morning with his mother. Sara raised Ricky the best way she knew how and it was because of her he became the man he was. Ricky was a survivor, an honorable man any mother would be proud of. He inherited many wonderful traits from his mother such as instilling family values, being a hard worker, having a strong work ethic, being a lover and a fighter and on occasion finding patience (which didn’t happen very often). Being raised in Mississippi, Ricky took enormous pride in his state heritage. Ricky attended school in Pearl, MS. He enjoyed sharing events with his mother like the Big Black River Festival and spending time at his Grandma’s house. More recently, Ricky was introduced to Bed, Bath and Beyond by his mother Sara. You could see the excitement in his eyes as he walked down the isles. Almost as much excitement as Cavendars and Cabellas! Ricky Goss Berry was a family man at home and at work. Ricky leaves behind so many close friends and family he worked alongside doing the job he loved. He poured his heart and soul into everything he did. For more than 30 years, Ricky and his brother Jim operated a Utility Construction business and became successful business men together. Many years later, Ricky had the opportunity and took great pride in mentoring his nephew Justin Berry for which he loved dearly. Showing Justin the ropes was a pleasure to Ricky. It really meant a lot to teach others and to have his work mean so much to so many. Having his Little Brother, Robby, move back to Texas and work along side him was a tremendous BLESSING! A “Perfect Weekend” consisted of cheering for The Gilmer Buckeyes, The Ole Miss Rebels and The Dallas Cowboys and Nascar. Ricky lived for his family. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding 4-wheelers with his grandsons, and watching football with his family. Whether it was a trip to Six Flags in Dallas, playing bones at Grandma Sara’s or a road trip to Oxford, family times were the best times of his life. Ricky was the best dad and father to his three girls. The love he had for his children he wore on his sleeve. Being a father was the most important job he ever had and by far, his greatest achievement. His role as a father is his true legacy. Out of everything Ricky accomplished in his life, nothing meant more than the good times and the love he shared with his girls and grandchildren. Ricky enjoyed doing for others and was the best story teller this side of the Mississippi. Remembering and finding comfort in the stories he told, and sharing laughter will be a tribute to his life. Ricky Goss Berry was always so full of life and will truly be missed. OH, THE STORIES HE COULD TELL! Ricky was a Beloved Father, Son, Brother, Uncle, Cousin, Paw, Hunting Buddy and Friend. He is survived by his mother, Sara Goss of West, MS; His three daughters, Crystal Bowles and husband Patrick (one of his best friends)and their two boys, Camden Stuart Bowles and Cayden Walker Bowles; Angela Berry Ice and Ben, and Ashley Berry Privett and her Son Carson Allen Privett; his brothers, Robby Holden and wife Mandy, and Jim Berry and wife Cindy; sister, Terri Lynn French; His nephew, Justin Berry and wife Nicole Davis-Berry and children; nieces Chelsea Turner and husband Eric and children, and Natalie Berry; cousins Troy and Randy Goss and their children; Linda and Joe Howell; and numerous extended family. Ricky was preceded in by the love of his life, Judy Diane Berry. He was also preceded in death by his little boy, Ricky Goss Berry, Jr. Visitation will be held at Rader Funeral home, Thursday, August 18, 2016, from 6 pm to 8 pm. A celebration of his life will be held, Friday, August 19, 2016 in the sanctuary of Oakland Heights Baptist Church at 12 pm with a procession immediately following the service where we will lay Ricky to rest at White Cemetery in Pine Tree.

Ricky Goss Berry

May 13, 1955 - August 15, 2016