On Aug. 6, 2016, Benjamin “Ben” Berryman departed this life after a brief illness. He was born to Joseph S. and Gladys W. Berryman on Aug. 11, 1942 and was raised in Surry County. After graduating from Surry County High School, he attended Florida State University where he majored in economics and government. In 1964, he entered the U.S. Army, 25th Infantry Division, serving in Hawaii and Vietnam. 

Following his honorable discharge, he began his career with the Virginia Employment Commission. He rose through the ranks in various analytical and management positions, culminating in his appointment as Director of Economic Information Services. He was a sworn officer of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and as such managed the collection of unemployment rates for Virginia and its localities, as well as employment and wage statistics at the state and local levels. He directed the State Data Center, Virginia’s liaison with the U.S. Census Bureau.

He was a communicant in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and served several terms on the vestry. He as a member of the Jamestowne Society, the Democratic Party, the FSU Alumni Association, the FSU Boosters, and the James River Association. He was an avid Florida State fan through the lean and more recently successful sports seasons. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Sandra (Sandy); and his beloved daughters, Anne Elizabeth Berryman and Susan Landis and her husband Jon. He is survived also by the apple of his eye, Amelia Anne Landis, who turned double sticks (11) on Aug. 6. They, his extended family, and friends will miss him greatly and find comfort in memories of his kindness and warm wit.

A memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Surry on August 11 at 11 a.m. Burial will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Ben’s name to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (P.O. Box 298, Surry, VA 23883), the Children’s Hospital of the Kings Daughters (601 Children’s Lane, Norfolk, VA 23507), or the Surry County Volunteer Rescue Squad (P.O. Box 188, Surry, VA, 23883).