HIGH POINT -- Tom Berry, a Durham native who covered all levels of sports from high school to the professional ranks, died Sunday.
For more than 20 years, the High Point Enterprise carried Berry's byline as he became of one of the state's leading sports journalists.
Berry, 49, died after battling a serious infection. He also was facing another battle with cancer, having been diagnosed with leukemia.
Berry is survived by his wife, Sandy, and their daughters, Ashlyn, Rachel and Leah. Funeral arrangements are incomplete.
Berry's death saddened his colleagues, his friends and those in the sports world who respected his work.
"Tom Berry was the consummate professional sports writer," High Point Enterprise editor Tom Blount said. "He was one of the best sports columnists not only in North Carolina but in the Southeast. An outstanding storyteller, he could and would cover any sport at any level with the same high-level enthusiasm and work ethic that set an example for everyone in the Enterprise newsroom, not just the sports department.
"In addition, he was one of the nicest guys I have had the privilege to work with on nine newspaper staffs in six states."
Berry started his career in Thomasville, moved on to The Durham Sun and then to High Point after former Enterprise sports editor Benny Phillips hired him.
"He did absolutely the most remarkable job from the get-go on the ACC teams, the [Carolina] Panthers and golf," Phillips said. "He was dependable, and he did it all with enthusiasm and fortitude."
More than knowing sports, Berry also knew the history of many games, said Steve High, head golf professional at Oak Hollow Golf Course. At major golfing events and ACC contests, Berry wrote about the legends and stars of the games.
"He was the writer I followed for golf," High said. "He knew many of the golfers and their records better than me."
Berry also had devoted readers who grew up to be newsmakers.
"I grew up reading his work," said Mike Cook, the athletic director at High Point Central High School. "He was so versatile and did it all well. ...
"We thought he had recovered. What a loss."
Berry also left a legacy of friendship and sheer love of his craft.
"This is such a sad day," Enterprise sports editor Mark McKinney said. "Tom was more than just a tremendous writer and reporter. He was a great friend to me for nearly 20 years. He touched so many lives in our area -- personally as well as professionally. His passing leaves a void that will be impossible to fill."
High Point University athletic director Craig Keilitz said that Berry knew the fine line reporters must respect with newsmakers.
"He was like a part of the family," Keilitz said. "I felt we could always talk, but when I could not, he understood."
