Darrel Lewis Berry
(1948 – 2025) l Darrel Berry, a native of Camden, graduated from Big Sandy High School in 1966, then proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and later served in the United States Army. Following his military service, Darrel founded Berry Machine and Tool (BMT), with locations in Camden, TN, and Lawton, OK. BMT is known in the tire industry as a leader in tire mold repair and has serviced the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Lawton, Oklahoma for over 47 years.
Darrel was a true patriot and loved his God, Family, Corps and Country. While in the military, he developed a passion for aviation and obtained his Private Pilot’s License in 1978. Darrel accumulated over 8,000 flight hours and held multiple ratings (commercial, instrument, multi-engine, and rotorcraft). Darrel amassed a remarkable collection of 27 aircraft, mostly vintage Warbirds. He enjoyed bringing the history of World War II aviation to his community. Darrel was well-known in his birthplace of Benton County, TN for his service as a strong participant and organizer in local career days and aviation days, where he displayed his collection of vintage military aircraft and vehicles for all to see, learn, and appreciate their history.
Darrel was an integral part of constructing the Benton County Veterans Memorial Park. He was also a past chairman of the Benton County Airport Board, where he assisted in obtaining grants to expand the facility, as well as volunteering his time to improve the airport grounds. Darrel was a member of several warbird pilot groups, including T-34, T-6, and Birddog associations. He was a member of the Tennessee Warbirds 1st squadron, founding member of the Ridgerunner flight team, and was a lead pilot for the T-34 association’s Formation and Safety Team (FAST). He also held a type rating for one of the very few flying C/G –TBM Avengers.
Darrel enjoyed hosting Fly-Ins at his home and in his community over the years, as well as attending Fly-Ins across the country. He especially enjoyed EAA AirVenture each year where he would be found in the Warbirds Campground telling stories and visiting with his family, fellow pilots, and old friends. In November 2025, Darrel was posthumously inducted into the EAA Aviation Warbirds of America Hall of Fame in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
For his exemplary service and contributions to Aviation in Tennessee, the Country and the World, Darrel L. Berry is enshrined in the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame on this 26th Day of September 2026.
