Former Gaffney resident victim of killer tornado in Oklahoma

The effects of a series of tornadoes that ran through the nation's midsection a few weeks ago were being felt hundreds of miles away as Cherokee County residents mourned the loss of one of their own.

Former Gaffney resident Samuel Berry, 20, died from injuries sustained in a tornado that struck his hometown of Picher, Okla., on May 10.

He was behind the wheel of a vehicle trying to leave the northeast Oklahoma town when the tornado struck the area.

"He was trying to beat the tornado out of town ... instead he drove right into it," said his mother, Christy Patel. "It's a hard pill to swallow, but I am comforted by the fact that God must have needed someone as special as my son to be with Him."

Also killed by the twister were Berry's wife, Tracy, and Tracy's uncle. His 16-year-old sister-in-law was also in the vehicle at the time but suffered only minor injuries.

The couple's 7-month-old son Lucas, was not with them.

"It is a blessing they did not have the baby with them at the time," Patel said. "In my grandson, I still have a piece of the two here with me."

Berry recently received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army.

He had already enlisted with his local U.S. Army National Guard unit and was to begin a new welding job this week.

"His dream was always to be in the military, but when he found out his wife was pregnant he was willing to give up part of him so he could be with his son," Patel said.

"God must have known my son would not be around for too long so he gave him these last few months to spend with his little boy."

Berry spent much of his childhood here and attended the Cherokee County School system before opting to attend a military school in Columbia toward the end of his high school career.

Though it had been a while since he left Gaffney, Patel said her son never forgot his roots.

"When he was working at the Bargain Depot in Gaffney, a lot of people recognized him for his hard work and willingness to help whenever needed," Patel said. "He never changed and that is why so many people loved him in Gaffney and everywhere else he has been."

His cousin, 1st Sgt. Angel Hairston, said Berry's work ethic was complemented by an uncanny ability to make people laugh.

"He always was very cheerful and regardless of the situation found a way to make you laugh," Hairston said. "The times we were together were always good times, and that is something we will all miss."

Berry's obituary can be found on Page 8A.