Don Berninger

IDER — Coach Donald Paul “Bernie” Berninger, born on Feb. 14, 1952, peacefully passed away in his Ider home on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2017, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born to Rev. William Eugene Berninger and Kathryn Berninger in Fayettville, Tenn. and grew up in MD and PA. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, William “Bill” Berninger II. Survivors include his beloved wife of 47 years, Diane; sons, Nathan (daughter-in-law, Melinda and grandsons Tyler and Brody) and Brandon (daughter-in-law, Becky and granddaughter, Keely Joy); daughters, Natalie Gray (son-in-law, LaDon and grandchildren, Katilyn, Tiffany, Ashlee, Nathaniel, Braxton, Corbin, Gavin, and Connor) and Tiffany Matthews (granddaughter, Arriana); brother, David (sister-in-law, Karen and numerous nieces and nephews); mother-in-law, Marion Wilson; and sister-in-law, Teresa Meahl (brother-in-law, John). Besides for the number one priority of his family, his biggest accomplishment in life has been an extraordinary coaching career. “Bernie” coached football for 43 years in high school as well as college to semi-pro teams, coaching over 450 games. His coaching career included places of North Dade County in Trenton, Ga.; Landmark Christian in Haynes City, Fla., where he took the team to two state championships; Bethel Christian in Coco Beach, Fla.; Youngsville High School in Youngsville, Pa.; Beth Haven Christian School in Boaz, Ala.; Living Word/Scottsboro Christian School in Scottsboro, Ala.; Bethel University in McKenzie, Tenn.; Minnesota State Community College in Fergus Falls, Minn.; Cannon County in Woodbury, Tenn., taking his team to their first ever regional playoffs; DeKalb County in Smithville, Tenn., where he received the Defensive Coordinator of the Year award in 2012; Ider High School in Ider, Ala.; and the currently known semi-pro team, the Chattanooga Eagles. He was loved by an abundant amount of players, teaching them about not just football but life off the field. He instilled so much love and values and his Motto “Respect All, Fear None” will truly live on. Donald and his wife have accomplished running several Italian restaurants, known in the surrounding area years ago as Klassix Pizza to now “Bernie’s Place” located in Rosalie, Ala. He developed many lasting relationships with loyal customers and will be sorely missed. Family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to all who have shown their love and support and to Heartlite Hospice. Visitation will be held today, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel in Ider. Visitation will continue Friday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with service held at 2 p.m. in the chapel with Pastor Al Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in Fuller Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in care of Corner Stone Funeral Chapel to assist the family with funeral expenses. Please leave condolences online at www.cornerstonefuneralchapel.com