The Honorable Benjamin T. DeBerry

Columbia, SC- The Honorable Benjamin “Ben” Thomas DeBerry, 81, passed away January 7, 2017 at Providence Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born on August 17, 1935 in Sumter, South Carolina, a son of Benjamin Joffre DeBerry and Caroline Eletha Gowdy DeBerry.

Ben graduated from Edmunds High School in Sumter. He attended the University of South Carolina receiving his BS degree in Business Administration in 1959 and his law degree in 1963. He served in the Naval Reserves. He practiced law with US Senator Robert Morgan in Raleigh, NC and later returned to Columbia, where he served as Assistant Attorney General of South Carolina. Ben was also the state attorney for the SC Department of Highways and Transportation and the attorney for the SC Insurance Commission. He was in private practice with former Richland County Solicitor Jim Anders and Mack Rentz. He was appointed Federal Administrative Law Judge in 1980, primarily serving the regions of Philadelphia, PA, Roanoke, VA and Columbia, SC. Judge DeBerry retired from the Federal Government in 2005. Ben was always cordial, well dressed, respectful of others and he had a good, firm handshake. He was the quintessential Southern gentleman.

In addition to his parents, Ben was predeceased by five brothers, Bonner McBride DeBerry, William Joffrey DeBerry, James Ray DeBerry, John Myron DeBerry and Robert D. DeBerry; and two sisters Rosa Merle DeBerry Blank-Holman and Elise “Dee” DeBerry Chandler.

Surviving are his wife of over 36 years, Frances Templeton DeBerry, his son, Michael Thomas DeBerry of Raleigh, NC, his daughter Laura Michele DeBerry (David) Beasley of Charleston, SC, his grandson, 2nd Lt. Christopher David Beasley of Laughlin AFB, Texas and  his granddaughter, Lauren Ashley Beasley of Charlottesville, VA. Ben is also survived by his two sisters-in-law, Linda (David) Brissey of Ridgeway and Syble DeBerry of Myrtle Beach; nephews Bryan (Cheryl) Blank of Manning, John (Alice) DeBerry of Sumter, Ronald (Heather) DeBerry of Texas, and David (Beth) DeBerry of Kings Mountain; nieces Patricia Blank (David) Griffith of Manning and Becky DeBerry (Kent) Bryant of Fiji; great nieces Laine Blank (Nick) Way, Rebecca Blank, and Chappel DeBerry; great nephew Sean DeBerry and his beloved dog, Harrison.

Ben was a member of Northeast Presbyterian Church in Columbia where he admired the sermons of Dr. George Crow.

The family will receive friends during visitation at 1PM on Wednesday, January 11 in the atrium of Northeast Presbyterian Church, 601 Polo Rd, Columbia, SC 29223. Funeral Services will begin in the church sanctuary at 2PM. Graveside internment prior to visitation will be private. Arrangements by Kornegay & Moseley.

In remembrance of Ben, memorials may be made to Northeast Presbyterian Church or PETSinc, West Columbia, SC.

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