Coach T Berry

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Coach T. Berry, a beloved educator, historian, mentor, and coach who made an indelible impact on the Elgin community and beyond. Known for his unwavering dedication to teaching and coaching, T. Berry passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy that spans more than four decades of excellence in education, athletics, and community service.

 Born to the late Ardella Bonner and James Berry, T. Berry was deeply rooted in the values of hard work and perseverance, instilled in him by his parents and grandparents, Alice Owens Caufield and Caleb Owens, who also preceded him in death, along with his grandmother, Alva Webb Owens, whom he affectionately referred to as “Mama,” and his aunt, Millie Beatrice Collins. A graduate of Washington High School in Elgin, he excelled both academically and athletically, serving as the captain of both the football and basketball teams in his senior year.

 Coach was baptized at an early age at Mount Moriah Baptist Church by Reverend R. A. Westbrook, and he attended church with his grandmother, Alva Owens.

 T. Berry worked tirelessly at St. David’s Hospital to pay his college tuition in full, demonstrating his commitment to higher education and self-reliance. He graduated from the University of Texas in 1970 and remained a major fan of the university throughout his life.

 His coaching journey started at Central Middle School in Galveston, Texas, and later continued at Galveston Ball High School, where he became the head basketball coach. T. Berry was known as one of the best basketball coaches in the State of Texas, with his reputation and coaching prowess spreading across the region. In 1982, his team made it to the state championship game with an impressive 34-6 record. Under his leadership, the team was consistently ranked among the top 10 teams in Texas throughout the 1980s. Houston radio station Majic 102 even made a song about him and his 1982 state-bound basketball team, which hit the airwaves all around Houston, cementing his legendary status. His ability to inspire and motivate his players earned him respect not only for his coaching skills but also for his profound influence on their personal lives. Many of his athletes went on to excel in college programs, often crediting T. Berry’s mentorship for their success. He often stayed in communication with his athletes up until his passing.

 After achieving great success in Galveston, T. Berry returned to his hometown of Elgin, where he spent over two decades shaping the lives of young athletes at Elgin High School. During his 21-year coaching career, he accumulated a record of 431-158, including 11 district championships and numerous Coach of the Year honors. His impact extended beyond the basketball court, as he helped countless students pursue college opportunities and excel both academically and athletically.

 Beyond coaching, T. Berry’s dedication to his community was evident in his role as DAEP Administrator and Human Resources Director for Elgin ISD. He also devoted significant time to preserving Elgin’s rich history, contributing to numerous historic preservation projects, writing articles for a variety of media outlets, and authoring The Day God Came. His work earned him the Violet Crown Award from the Austin Writers League and a nomination for an NAACP Image Award in children’s literature. Coach T. Berry was a man of many talents, ensuring that the stories and legacy of Elgin’s rich history would be passed down to future generations.

 He is survived by the mother of his daughters, Brenda Berry, and his daughters, Demita Huntley (Gwen Huntley) and Danika Berry (Joseph Kouaho). He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Laura Huntley, Zoe Kouaho, Jalen Kouaho, and Justin Kouaho and was very active and involved in their school and sports activities. He is also survived by his siblings, Vickie L. Bonner, Leland A. Bonner, Alvin T. Bonner, and Pamela Mack (Michael Mack), as well as his cousins, Kirk Douglas Owens and Etta Lynnette Collins.

 Coach T. Berry’s legacy is defined by the countless lives he touched through his mentorship, kindness, and unwavering belief in the potential of every student and athlete he encountered. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the community he served so passionately.

 Funeral services will be held on September 28, 2024, at The Family Worship Center of Elgin, 2425 FM 1704, Elgin, Texas 78621. Friends, family, and the community are invited to join in celebrating the life of a man who gave so much to those around him and whose influence will be felt for generations to come.

Coach T Berry will Lie in State at Elgin Funeral Home on Friday, September 27th, from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Family and Friends will gather for a Home-Going Celebration at the Family Worship Center of Elgin, under the auspices of Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, on Saturday, September 28th at 2:00 PM with the Reverend Dr. A. W. Anthony Mays presiding and Reverend David Morris, eulogist. Interment will follow at Cook-Walden Capital Parks Cemetery of Pflugerville.