Celebrating the life of
Jacob Reynolds Berger
November 26, 1924 - January 10, 2010
Jacob Reynolds Berger, born November 26, 1924 in Gretna, Virginia, lived a full, loving life for 85 years, until his death on January 10, 2010 in Pineville, North Carolina. Jacob, known as "Jake," will be remembered for his enduring service, faith and faithfulness, quiet strength, humorous storytelling, wisdom, and deep compassion.
Jake married Martha Jane Milligan of Savannah, his beloved wife for over 57 years. Jake and Jane devotedly parented four daughters : Angie Steve King, Marietta, GA; Pam Jim Bearden, Durham, NC; Joy John Reed, Louisville, KY; and Bonnie Mike Barfield, Waxhaw, NC; with six grandchildren, two spouses, and four great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jake and Effie Berger, his brother Pomp Berger, his sister Minnie Berger Adams; and is survived by his sister Nancy Berger Lynch Allen, TX.
Jake graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1951, and led a successful career with Georgia Pacific from 1951 until his retirement in 1995. He managed GP's Savannah Plywood Plant, Distribution Centers in Savannah and Augusta, GA, and was GP's sales representative for Olayan Saudi Holdings in Saudi Arabia 1979-81. Jake's leadership roles included serving as President of the Savannah Exchange Club, President of the Hardwood Plywood Manufacturing Association for North America, and a faithful leader in many roles at Bull Street Baptist Church in Savannah 1952-1979. He was a loyal member of First Baptist Church of Augusta 1981-present. In retirement, Jake, a 7th-generation namesake, updated the Jacob Berger history of over 10, 000 family members and preserved the over 250 year old Berger Cemetery in Pittsylvania County, VA.
Visitation will be in Savannah, GA, Tuesday January 12, at Fox and Weeks Funeral Home, 7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The funeral will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 13, at Bull Street Baptist Church, 17 East Anderson Street with burial following at Bonaventure Cemetery. Continuing Jake's legacy of service, memorial gifts can be sent to the donor's favorite place of service, in Jake's name.
Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
Aunt Jane, Angie, Pam, Joy, and Bonnie, You are in my prayers during this difficult time. Comfort comes in all of the wonderful memories that you share. Love, Elizabeth
- Elizabeth Weber, Merced, CA
The family is much in our thoughts and prayers. We were privileged to be able to know Mr. Berger and have him as part of our extended family. Grace and peace, Lois and Dianne King
- Dianne King, Anderson, SC
May God wrap you in His everlasting love, peace and comfort as you face the days ahead. In deepest sympathy, Barbara Scruggs - Cardinal Health
- Barbara Scruggs, Charleston, SC
I can still recall Mr. Berger's kind face and voice when Joy and I met in the cafeteria at Samford University so many years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family as you mourn the loss of such a dear husband and father.
- Lesley Tucker Brunson, Garner, NC
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. We have truly been blessed to have so many fond memories growing up at Bull Street, the many times the Berger Clan took us to church. I can remember riding in the back of Mrs. Bergers station wagon and the seat was not facing the front of the car, thinking how 'cool' their car was to have a backward seat! Let's not forget the many piano recitals also. Mr. Berger always was so very kind to our family. He gave Nhan Hoang, our vietnamese family member his first job at GP. after coming back from the war. May you have Gods peace.
- Beth Lamb Collett, Anderson, SC
Joy and family, Our love and prayers are with you during this time. May God use the wonderful memories of your father bring you comfort and peace.
- Carter & Pauline Tucker, Hartwell, GA
To Joy and family, May God rest His gentle hand on you all as you go through the grieving process in the weeks and months ahead. May you take comfort in the many loving memories your Dad provided. And may we all meet on the distant shore someday and be with our God for ever and ever.
- Jeremiah Donohue, Louisville, KY
With deepest sympathy, love, and compassion from a former neighbor in Augusta.
- carolyn kershner, Augusta, GA
You are all in our thoughts and prayers during these difficult days. We have such special memories of your family back in the good 'ole days. Special love to Pam...my Tift big sis. Love, Susan and Ricky
- Susan Scarborough Allen, Statesboro, GA
Aunt Jane, Angie, Pam, Joy, Bonnie, Some of my most vivid memories of childhood come from your home in Savannah. Uncle Jake was certainly a big part of those memories. I know he will be missed by all who knew him. My thoughts are with you as is my sadness. With Love, Jay
- Jay Anderson, Macon, GA
Aunt Jane, Angie, Pam, Joy, and Bonnie, You are in my prayers during this difficult time. Comfort comes in all of the wonderful memories that you share. Love, Elizabeth
- Elizabeth Weber, Merced, CA
The family is much in our thoughts and prayers. We were privileged to be able to know Mr. Berger and have him as part of our extended family. Grace and peace, Lois and Dianne King
- Dianne King, Anderson, SC
May God wrap you in His everlasting love, peace and comfort as you face the days ahead. In deepest sympathy, Barbara Scruggs - Cardinal Health
- Barbara Scruggs, Charleston, SC
I can still recall Mr. Berger's kind face and voice when Joy and I met in the cafeteria at Samford University so many years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family as you mourn the loss of such a dear husband and father.
- Lesley Tucker Brunson, Garner, NC
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. We have truly been blessed to have so many fond memories growing up at Bull Street, the many times the Berger Clan took us to church. I can remember riding in the back of Mrs. Bergers station wagon and the seat was not facing the front of the car, thinking how 'cool' their car was to have a backward seat! Let's not forget the many piano recitals also. Mr. Berger always was so very kind to our family. He gave Nhan Hoang, our vietnamese family member his first job at GP. after coming back from the war. May you have Gods peace.
- Beth Lamb Collett, Anderson, SC
Joy and family, Our love and prayers are with you during this time. May God use the wonderful memories of your father bring you comfort and peace.
- Carter & Pauline Tucker, Hartwell, GA
To Joy and family, May God rest His gentle hand on you all as you go through the grieving process in the weeks and months ahead. May you take comfort in the many loving memories your Dad provided. And may we all meet on the distant shore someday and be with our God for ever and ever.
- Jeremiah Donohue, Louisville, KY
With deepest sympathy, love, and compassion from a former neighbor in Augusta.
- carolyn kershner, Augusta, GA
You are all in our thoughts and prayers during these difficult days. We have such special memories of your family back in the good 'ole days. Special love to Pam...my Tift big sis. Love, Susan and Ricky
- Susan Scarborough Allen, Statesboro, GA
Aunt Jane, Angie, Pam, Joy, Bonnie, Some of my most vivid memories of childhood come from your home in Savannah. Uncle Jake was certainly a big part of those memories. I know he will be missed by all who knew him. My thoughts are with you as is my sadness. With Love, Jay
- Jay Anderson, Macon, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
