Albert Lee Cherry's Obituary
Reflections of Mr. Albert Lee Cherry, Sr.” The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighted he in his ways”. Psalm 37:23Albert Lee Cherry was born July 9, 1932 to parents Floyd & Mary Lee Cherry in Rock Hill South Carolina. He was known to loved ones and friends as: “Al” or ” Mr. Cherry”; his wife Mrs. Cherry, “Husband”; to his family he was affectionately called “Pops”. Al was the middle child out of 2 children. He attended school until sophomore year, after which, he joined the workforce. At the age of 18, Al moved to Charlotte, North Carolina where he worked at Still Smiting Plant until his health was affected by the chemicals in the plant. Al was then drafted into the Military; he chose to go into the Marine Corp where he served for two years. Al was always proud of his service to his country as a United States Marine. It was after his service in the Marine Corps and upon returning to Charlotte where Al met the love of his life, Josephine Cherry. The two married on November 16, 1957. To their union, five children were raised.The Cherry family relocated to San Diego, California in 1961, to assist Josephine’s mother Victoria with her father, Noble A. Derr. In the 70’s the Cherry, family joined Trinity Baptist Church under the Leadership of the late Rev. George Washington. Then, later down the road, they joined Bay View Baptist Church under the Leadership of the late Rev. Timothy Winters, where they both remained members until their health declined and Josephine went from glory to glory.Al and his brother William Cherry were hired on at PSA Airlines to perform carpentry work. In 1965, PSA, merged with US Air. Al received many certificates including recognition for perfect attendance and never being late to the job. His children could not understand why he would leave so early to go to work because he was always 30 to 45 minutes early, but this was a principle he learned while serving in the Marines. In 1994, Al decided to retire from US Air airline to enjoy retirement for the remainder of his life.Al was a calm, and reserved man yet had a commanding presence when he walked into room. He always spoke softly, but if a nerve was hit and you ask him for something or to do something, his favorite words would be, “No” or “I Bet I Won’t”. Al enjoyed playing cards, going to Padre’s games and enjoying the stadium food as well as watching other sports on TV. He enjoyed his family, looking good at all times, hanging out with his friends on Friday’s. He enjoyed cooking and eating. (That’s right). Al, was known for his great homemade “Stew” soup, fried green tomatoes and his favorite barbeque.Al, and his dog Spunky, would walk the neighborhood every day. Rain or shine you would see them walking. One day Spunky was not in the mood for walking or was tired of walking, so Spunky forced Mr. Cherry to drag him all the way back home.Al Cherry’s layover here on earth lasted 87 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd White & Mary Lee Cherry; wife: Josephine Cherry; father & mother-in-law: Noble A. & Victoria Derr; brother: Nathaniel Cherry; uncle: William Henry Cherry; great-grandson, Nyzell LeSean Derr, and Son-in-law: Robin Van Dunn.On Sunday, October 20, 2019 at 2:35pm, Al Cherry peacefully boarded his flight and departed this life. He was surrounded by heaven’s Angels and his loving family.Those left to cherish his sweet memory are daughters: Rev. Patty A. Allen, Joanne L. Derr, Vickie Cherry-Dunn, Wendy E. Cherry; sons: Albert Lee Cherry, Jr., Juan Vanlandingham; grandchildren: Anthony L. Derr, Sr., Noble T. Buchannon, Nyysha Derr Sepulveda, Shauntrice L. Derr -Morris, Larry Muldrow, Tammie L. Hollinger, Eddie Buchannon III, Wendy A. Buchannon, Deon Davis, Capri C.Cherry-Waiters, Chantil J. Cherry, Myheonna L. Williams; great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; brother: William H. & Betty L. Cherry; brother: Charles White; aunt: Christine M. Walker, Sister Friend: Verland Taylor and a host of nephews, nieces, family and friends.“Until we meet again, may God hold you in His arms. We know this is not good-bye.We’ll see you on the other side.
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