Ty Christopher Berry

Ty Christopher Berry, 33, of Maryville, passed away after a tragic swimming accident at Peery’s Mill in Walland on May 30. Originally from Derwood, Md., Ty moved to East Tennessee more than three years ago, quickly becoming a contributing member of the Blount County community. He was a real estate agent for Exit Realty in Farragut and a property manager for KB Real Estate Investments, LLC, in Walland. Ty will be lovingly remembered and missed by his family and friends. He was a free spirit, who adored his family and friends and liked nothing more than to engage people in passionate conversations about politics, history, world affairs — whatever subject took his fancy. Ty was one of the few who could back up his point of view with facts. His other great loves included his beloved dog, Georgie, the beautiful Smoky Mountains, which he hiked extensively, and tubing and swimming in the Little River. A music aficionado, Ty rarely turned down an opportunity to attend Phish and Lotus concerts, his two favorite jam bands. He is survived by his parents, Lori Keesey and Kevin Berry, of Walland; two brothers, Drew Berry, of Arlington, Va., and Nate Berry, of Derwood, Md.; his maternal grandmothers, Vivian Keesey, of Mt. Airy, Md., and Gayle Keesey, of Jersey Mills, Pa.; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; and his many friends who live across the country. Given Ty’s passion for animal rescues and the Great Smoky Mountains, his family requests that donations be made in his name to the Smoky Mountain Animal Care Foundation in Alcoa and Friends of the Smokies. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, June 23 at RIO Revolution Church, 3419 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville. The family will be receiving family and friends at 2 PM, with church services to follow at 3 PM. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ty Christopher Berry please visit our Sympathy Store.