Michael A. Berry

Michael Antoine Berry, 35, went home to be with the Lord in his residence on Saturday, July 31, 2021.  He was born “established” in Cleveland, Ohio on October 30, 1985, the son of Michele D. Berry and Thaddius Boyd.  He was a lifelong resident of Springfield, Ohio. 

Mike was saved at an early age and was a member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church where he sang in the Angel Choir and eventually became a member of Church of Jesus where he sang in the Youth Choir.

He was a 2004 graduate of Springfield South High School and was also a member of the Wildcats football team.  Mike lived out his personal purpose and fulfilled his calling as a coach and mentor.  He was most passionate about serving the youth in his community and making a positive impact in their lives.  Mike was employed by Oesterlen Services for Youth and Springfield City Schools.  Affectionately known as Coach Grizz, his vast coaching experience encompassed Springfield Middle Schools as assistant coach and then as head coach where he led the team to win several championships.  From there, he went on to coach high school football at Urbana, Springfield, Catholic Central, and Kenton Ridge.

A video game enthusiast, Mike loved playing Xbox with his family and friends until the wee hours of the morning.  Mike had a huge smile, an infectious personality, and an enormous heart.  He was “Your Fav Big Guy.”  If you knew him, you liked him.  If you didn’t like him, you loved him.  Mike was a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan and on Sunday afternoons, he would have constant banter on Facebook with numerous Cowboys’ opponents.   

Mike leaves to cherish his memory, his loving, devoted mother, Michele “Mom Dukes” Berry, Winston-Salem, NC, his father, Thaddius Boyd, Springfield, and bonus-Pops, Pastor M. Troy Smith, Indianapolis; four brothers, Troy (Barbara) Smith, Huber Heights, Andrew, Aaron, and Markus Smith, Indianapolis; three sisters, Arricka and Porchea Boyd, Springfield, and Morgan Smith, Indianapolis; grandparents, Carolina Robinson, Michael Berry, and Clara Boyd of Springfield, Pastor Michael and Pamela Young, Huber Heights; special niece, Kaylen Michele Smith; special aunt, Mary (Harry) Daniel; six aunts, Cindy (Shun) Patterson, Carolyn Berry, Anika (Rodrick) Pierce, Captain Tasya (Herb) Lacy, Gina Vance, and Carmen (Jeff) Harshaw; three special uncles, Sam Young, Julius and Porter Boyd; four nephews, William and Weston Jackson, Jermaine and Jru Bush, two special sister-cousins, Keyona and Lintonia Browning and a host of family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Julius Boyd, and his aunt, Florence Boyd. 

Visitation is Saturday, August 7, 2021 from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 12 noon in St. John Missionary Baptist Church.

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