Harry C. Berard Jr.

Harry C. Berard, Jr., husband of Wanetta Oare Berard, died peacefully on July 4, 2016 at the Hospice House in Greenwood. Born in Gloversville, NY on June 2, 1929, he was the son of the late Harry, Sr. and Helen Phillips Berard. Upon graduation from high school, Harry joined the Military Sea Transportation Service as an oiler and advanced his career to Chief Engineer on the USNS Truckee. He served in this capacity for ten years prior to his retirement in 1989. Harry was active during the Korean and Vietnam wars transporting personnel, cargo, ammunitions, and missiles; as well as, being involved in many ship rescue operations on the high seas. He traveled the world several times, his service spanned 30 years. Harry married the love of his life, Wanetta (Nita), his "girl in every port", and they shared 53 years together. For the past 25 years, they found their snug harbor in Abbeville. A man of many talents, Harry was a master wood crafter, creating many beautiful works of art, enjoyed music, was an avid reader, a prolific writer, a cook and inventor. He found much pleasure at sea, not only as a vocation, but also in leisure. Harry was happy fishing and hosting fish fries with friends and neighbors. He served as a member and treasurer of the Cold Springs Volunteer Fire Department for ten years and was the President of Men of the Church of Upper Long Cane Presbyterian Church in Abbeville. Harry is survived by his wife of the home; two stepchildren, Patricia Moccoldi of Clermont, FL and Michael Moccoldi of Lakeland, FL; two brothers, George (Helen) Berard of Vienna, VA and Alton Berard of Newburg, IN; a sister, Donna Ellithorpe of Gloversville, NY; two grandsons, Sean Kroger and Michael Moccoldi, IV; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service to Celebrate Harry's life will be 11:00AM, Thursday, July 7, 2016, in Harris Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Wayne Wicker officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Memorial contributions, in memory of Harry, may be sent to Upper Long Cane Presbyterian Church, 194 Hwy., 20, Abbeville, SC 29620. The family is at the home. A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com. HARRIS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES of Abbeville is assisting the Berard family.