Family Love Burns Eternal

Everyone misses you so much!! Fall of the year brings back memories of you being born and growing up. You grew up to be such a great man. Your children are just about all grown up now. Thomas, Jr. is a father, high school graduate and received a full scholarship to run Track. Jasmine graduated high school, attended college and is the most amazing hard worker. You would be so proud because her work ethics are like yours. Braxton graduated high school and got a full ride to college. Ethan, your baby is 6 ft 5 and as handsome as ever. They are all amazing and doing amazing things.

Your sister and brother are hard workers and miss you so much. Of course, me and your dad will always hold you in our hearts. It just seems like yesterday that I held you in my arms as a baby. Love you so much over and over again. We thank God for sharing you with us.

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Of Service To His Community

Officer Thomas P. Berry, Jr. "TJ" loved his work as a police officer. He enjoyed working in the community and especially enjoyed helping young kids who he would see on the streets. If TJ saw them just wandering around, he would advise them to go home in order to stay out of trouble. Being a police officer was his passion and dream.

Memories Are Gifts from God

Time does not take away pain; however, time gives you a chance to put things in perspective. Questions still come up as to why so soon, we remember to trust God and His plan for our lives. TJ is missed so much with a legacy that is ongoing. TJ's presence through the life he lived and the love he shared is tremendous and eternal. We are thankful that God allowed him to be a part of our lives. We cannot turn back the hands of time; however, with everyday there is a new beginning of the meaning of life. TJ would say live, love, and laugh but most of all Trust God because God has a plan. In memory of a wonderful person, Mr. Thomas Peyton Berry, Jr. "TJ" with love!

The Thomas Peyton Berry, Jr. “TJ” Memorial Scholarship was established in September of 2011 in memory of TJ by his parents, Thomas Peyton Berry, Sr. and Sylvia M. Berry. The scholarship is established to keep a ray of light burning out of tragedy, to thank those who poured out words of encouragement and support to the family, to continue in TJ’s commitment to help others, to recognize and give tribute to the men and women who serve their communities and country, and through, faith, hope, and love, give honor to God. The scholarship is administered through the Henrico Education Foundation in Henrico Virginia. The scholarship is created to encourage and enable highly motivated students to pursue opportunities in public service such as law enforcement (police officers, detectives, special agents through a major in Criminal Justice), nursing, forensic science, fire science, ROTC in college with the goal of pursuing a military career, EMT, EMS, and Paramedic. A scholarship in the amount of $1,200.00 will be awarded annually to an eligible graduating senior of Henrico County Public Schools.

In Memory of TJ “Ber” Berry by Investigator A. M. Shovlin

It’s hard to know where to begin when thinking about my friend. He was not only one of the best officers I had the blessing to know, but one of the best men that I knew. I remember the first time that I met TJ, or Ber as I knew him. It didn’t take much for us to make an instant friendship. That was the way it was with everyone that knew Ber though. He was always friendly with people and could make just about anyone laugh. He taught me to always be ready and to make sure to take my seatbelt off in a parking lot in case I have to jump out, which is a practice that I have today even without thinking about it. Ber and I worked side by side in the West End just prior to when the shifts were split into platoons. It was when he worked the West End that we got the ever famous “West End Drug Bust” that would become one of my favorite pictures and stories to tell. When I was in my accident in 2008 that required me to ride to the hospital in an ambulance it was Ber that was the first one that I saw and heard say, “Hey Munchkin”. That was all it took for me to start crying again, but I knew that everything was okay because my friend was there and he would make it okay. That’s what Ber did every day at work and otherwise, he made things okay. When you were down, mad, confused or whatever he made you laugh. It’s his smile and his infectious laughter that I think of when I think of him. I miss him every day and the sting of his loss is still very present as I know it is for the rest of his friends and even more so for his family. There is a great hole where Ber was that will never be filled, but I am thankful for the time that I did have with Ber. He was a great man and great police officer and it truly was an honor to serve with him and be one of the lucky few to be his friend.

"Policeman's Prayer"

When I start my tour of duty God, Wherever
crime may be, as I walk the darkened streets
alone, Let me be close to thee.

Please give me understanding with both the
young and old. Let me listen with attention until
their story's told. Let me never make a judgment
in a rash or callous way, but let me hold my
patience let each man have his say.

Lord if some dark and dreary night, I must give
my life, Lord, with your everlasting love protect
my children and my wife.

(Author Unknown)