John “Jack” Reynolds DeBerry, age 50, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 in Springfield, Tennessee, surrounded by his closest family and friends.
Jack is immediately survived by his wife, Kimberly Landrum DeBerry, his son, Austin Rawls DeBerry, and his daughter, Aubrey Catherine DeBerry. Jack is also survived by his loving parents, Martha Lynn Anderson and Ronald Lee Anderson, and a large extended family of cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Jack was preceded in death by his grandparents on his mother’s side, B. Max Gower and Martha Jean Gower, as well as his grandparents on his father’s side, Dr. Robert Jackson DeBerry Sr. and Ann H. DeBerry–all of whom he loved dearly.
Jack was born on April 8, 1972, in Nashville, Tennessee, where he spent the early part of his life. Jack attended John Overton High School and graduated in 1990.
Jack was a comedian and the life of the party, remembered affectionately by those closest to him for his infectious laugh, positive attitude, and stubborn yet kind spirit. An avid Tennessee Vols and Tennessee Titans fan, he loved to watch football, cook homemade meals (even perfecting his grandmother’s chicken recipe or “Granny’s chicken”), and relax with his incredible cohort of friends. He always had music playing in the background, preferring country music, but he was also known to blast the latest Top 10 hit should the mood strike. Classic Western movies were his favorites, but he was a fan of the classic James Bond films, too. When you hugged him, you were comforted by the scent of Irish Spring soap and Old Spice Pure Sport.
Jack’s greatest passion in life and source of pride was his family, especially his two children, Austin and Aubrey, affectionately nicknamed Papi and Doodlebug, respectively. It is impossible to measure the extent of his devotion in so little space or condense years of memories with so much love, laughter, and joy into one small tribute. Here are two they wanted to share:
At 7, Jack took Austin fishing for the first and last time at a nearby pond. It seems unlikely that anyone so young would remember this snapshot in time so vividly, yet he does. Austin remembers hours spent waiting in a small fishing boat for a fish to finally take the bait. Finally, one does; Austin uses all the energy and strength in his body to reel in a huge fish, Jack excitedly encouraging him but letting him do it alone. Then, the line snaps. Austin is crushed, worried he disappointed his father. Instead, Jack laughs, pats him on the back, and says simply and surely, “You can’t catch them all.”
Since she can remember, Aubrey has had a standing date with her father. Each year, two days before Christmas, she and Jack would get in his truck and drive to find gifts for Kim. It’s a wonderful thing to have something to look forward to, and this was something she always did. When the perfect presents were finally purchased, the two went to dinner together to celebrate their success. There was never any debate about where to go either because tradition mandated they go to Longhorn SteakHouse, a longtime favorite.
In lieu of a funeral, friends and family are invited to a visitation for John “Jack” Reynolds DeBerry on Thursday, September 22, 2022, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Austin & Bell Funeral Home located at 509 Walnut Street in Springfield, Tennessee. Flowers are accepted and welcome.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements.
AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME-509 WALNUT STREET, SPRINGFIELD, TN (615) 384-1000 https://www.austinandbell.com
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