Ronald “Ron” Clarkson Berry passed peacefully on the morning of Sunday May 24th, 2026, in the loving presence of his family and the gentle care of Hospice Savannah.  Ron was born on November 16, 1957, at the old Telfair Hospital in Savannah, Georgia, to Jean Clarkson Berry and Albert Hughes Berry Jr. He grew up in Savannah alongside his older brother, Albert Hughes Berry III, who preceded him in death. Ron attended Savannah Country Day School before continuing his education at University of Georgia, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, and later the University of Georgia School of Law. Following law school, Ron returned home to Savannah and began practicing law in 1983 with The Adams Firm. He later established his own practice specializing in commercial litigation, serving the community with integrity until his retirement.

Throughout his life, Savannah was the center of Ron’s world.  Ron held memberships at The Savannah Golf Club, The Chatham Club, and The Landings Clubs, but his favorite was always The Savannah Yacht Club.  One of Ron’s greatest passions was life on the water. As a boy he spent countless hours in and around Isle of Hope, boating and exploring the waterways with his lifelong friends Frank Kehoe and Hobbie Manley. He treasured time sailing with his father, friends, and brother Hugh. Ron taught sailing for many years at the Savannah Yacht Club and remained deeply involved in ocean racing throughout much of his young adult life, competing on both large and small vessels. Among his favorite memories was winning the SORC sailing race in the Bahamas alongside Raymond Demere, Gary Oetgen, Howard Reeve, and a talented crew from Annapolis in 1988.  Ron also spent many joyous, fun-filled weekends on the water with his wife, Caroline, and their two sons, Ron Jr. and Heyward. A typical Saturday for the Berry family was climbing aboard the boat and heading to Wassaw Island which became part of so many cherished family memories.

Ron was also deeply committed to his faith and service to others. For many years, he led the Good News Jail Ministry, faithfully spending lunch hours and Sunday mornings teaching and encouraging men at the local jail. His faith remained a guiding force throughout his life. Ron and Caroline devoted themselves to their family, their church, and the life they built together in Historic Savannah. They attended St. John's Church and shared more than 35 years enjoying the beauty of the Savannah Historic District and time spent on the water.

Ron is survived by his wife, Caroline Wansley Berry; his sons, Ronald Clarkson Berry Jr. and his wife, Eva Edwards Berry, and Heyward Wansley Berry and his wife, Izzy Sandoval Berry; and his granddaughter, June Caroline Berry.

We would like to thank the attending nurses and doctors at St. Joseph’s and Candler hospitals as well as Hospice Savannah for their kindness and exceptional care.

A funeral service celebrating the life of Ron Berry will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church, 325 Bull Street, Savannah, Georgia, on Saturday May 30, 2026, at 11:00am. A reception at the Green-Meldrim House will follow as family and friends gather to honor a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ron’s memory to St. John's Episcopal Church or St. Joseph's/Candler Foundations.