Gregory Arthur Berry

Gregory Arthur Berry, 77, of Las Cruces, N.M. and formerly of Manlius, IL passed from this life into the next on February 4, 2024. After a long battle, Greg succumbed to kidney disease at Las Cruces Memorial Hospital.

Greg was born in a blizzard on February 15, 1946, at Kewanee Public Hospital, Kewanee, IL., the third child of Harry and Leona Berry of Manlius. From early childhood he displayed a passion for sports. He became a fine all-around athlete at Manlius High School, excelling in basketball, baseball, football, track, golf and more. After graduating from MHS in 1964, he matriculated to Bradley University where he earned varsity letters in basketball, track, and golf. He was elected to the Bradley Hall of Fame and the Illinois High School Hall of Fame. After graduating from Bradley, he joined Athletes in Action, a team of Christian college basketball grads. He played in 12 countries on three continents with AIA, eventually becoming the head coach of the team. 1975 saw Greg accepting an assistant coach position with the New Mexico State University Aggies basketball team. He would serve as assistant under Ken Hayes, Weldon Drew, and Lou Henson. He was also called upon to coach the women’s basketball team for one season and the Aggie women’s softball team for several years. Greg was a gifted athlete and coach, but he is best remembered as a devoted Christ follower. He trusted the Lord at church camp when he was 10 and maintained his focus on Christ for the rest of his life. He wrote much about the Christian life and taught Bible class for decades in Las Cruces.

He was preceded in death by older brother, Norm, of Monument, CO. He is survived by two sisters, Jeanette Spires of Lake Forest, IL and Linda Mattingly-Monical of Princeville, IL, one brother, Dave and sisters-in-law, Sue of Heyworth, IL and Janice of Monument, CO and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Two memorial services will be held in Greg’s honor. In Las Cruces, Calvary Baptist Church will hold a service and lunch at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 15, 2024.

In Manlius, a service and lunch will take place on Saturday, May 4 at 11:00. A lifelong friend of Greg’s, Rev. Dr. Randy Mullin, will conduct the Manlius service. Inurnment will be in the Manlius Cemetery where he will rest with his parents.

Memorials may be directed to Compassion International in Greg’s honor.