Elbert James "E.J." Berry, 83, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015 in Arlington.. E.J. was born Sept. 25, 1931 in Corsicana to James Eugene Berry and Ola Elene Flowers Berry. He was raised in Corsicana and played for the Tigers Football Championship Team in 1949. He was named a Dallas Morning News All-State Fullback.. E.J. was a U.S. Army veteran. He served as a chemical biological and radiological defense specialist during the Korean Conflict. He served in the Army Engineers in Okinawa.. He was a resident of Alvarado for the past 34 years and member of Alvarado Church of Christ. Prior to that he lived in Arlington for 18 years, and was a member of North Davis Church of Christ.. E.J. retired in sales and customer service with Southwest Tire and Supply in Dallas after 21 years of service. An avid sportsman known as the "Big Basser," he enjoyed hunting, fishing and loved the outdoors. E.J. was a volunteer with the Arlington Optimist and Little League Sports for many years.. He is preceded in death by his grandson, Jared Berry in 1987.. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Frankie Nell Shaw Berry; son, Tim Berry and wife, Sandy of Austin; daughter, Jennifer Berry Pemberton and husband, Bill of Lewisville; sister, Peggy Jean Odom of San Antonio; sister-in-law, Virginia Hale of DeSoto; grandchildren, Mark Pemberton, T.J. Berry, Ashley Ransom, Luke Berry, Nick Berry, and Emily Berry; great-grandchildren, Kenleigh Grace Pemberton and Emery Faith Pemberton.. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, 2015 at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington.. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015 at the funeral home with Major Mark Pemberton officiating. Interment will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Dawson Cemetery in Dawson, Texas.. Wade Family Funeral Home, Arlington, in charge of arrangements.