Merritt "Buddy" Thomas Berryman

Merritt Thomas Berryman, lovingly known as "Buddy," born on June 26, 1943, at home in Matador, Texas, to Hardy Washington Berryman and Melba Pauline Faulkner Berryman, went to be with his Savior on September 5, 2024 surrounded by his family.

Born while his father was away working, his mother delayed naming him until his return. Waiting for him to be named, his Aunt Decima lovingly referred to him as her little "buddy" and the nickname stuck. He was named after his grandfathers, Merritt Faulkner and Thomas Berryman.

Buddy grew up in Matador, Wellman, Loop and later Lubbock, Texas. After graduating from Lubbock HIgh School in 1961, he proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corp serving in Vietnam and stateside from 1964 to 1968. He had many careers throughout his life but retired in 2010 after amassing 3.5 million miles as a truck driver.

A firm believer in God, family, and country, he was an active member of The Church At West Mountain. He will always be remembered for his love of cooking, baking, and candy making, having also earned the nickname "The Candy Man."

Buddy is preceded in death by his wife, Wilma Berryman; father, Hardy Berryman; mother, Melba Clark; daddy, Claude Clark; sisters, Margaret Nell Berryman, Linda Sue Berryman Dennis and Betty Berryman Carr; and grandson, Grant Owen Morton.

Buddy is survived by his wife, Mary Jo Berryman; daughters, Brandi Morton (Scott), Kathy Shelton (Duane) and Lisa Draper (Don); son, Gregg Huff (Rebecca); and was PawPaw to grandchildren, Rebekah Morton, Ella Morton, Evelyn Morton, Camille Morton, Taylor Loftis, Zach Loftis (Montana), Luke Tebbetts (Logan), Brea Ogle (Brodie), Tori Huff, Kadi Huff (Dylan Gale), Vada Huff (Ben Barber), Ariana Huff and Eliza Huff; great-grandchildren, Brant Loftis, Wrenlee Loftis, Wyatt Loftis, Warner Loftis, Archie Gale and Leo Tebbetts; as well as his sisters Joe Ann Berryman Keslar, Patricia Berryman Wheatley and Barbara Berryman.

To honor the life of Buddy, a graveside service is scheduled for Friday, September 6, 2024 at 2 in the afternoon at the New White Oak Cemetery. Pallbearers are Scott Morton, Gregg Huff, Duane Shelton, Don Draper, Zach Loftis and Jerry Day. The Honorary Pallbearer is Brant Loftis. A Celebration of Life will be held on September 28, 2024 at 10 in the morning at The Church At West Mountain to gather friends and family to share stories, remember cherished moments, and celebrate a life well-lived. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Church At West Mountains Building Fund: 

The Church At West Mountain Building Fund

6259 US HWY 271 S

Gilmer, TX 75645