LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Former US Rep. Robert Marion Berry, an Arkansas Democrat who served seven terms in Congress and was known for his outspoken rhetoric and advocacy for farmers and elderly residents. He is 80 years old.
Berry, who was known as “Marion,” died Friday, her family confirmed in a statement Saturday. The cause of death was not given.
“With his signature quick wit and way with words, he lived his life in service to others,” said Berry’s son, Mitch. “He truly believed that the role of government was to help the people, and it was a charge he took seriously. He was generous with his time and talents as his many mentees can attest.
Berry was first elected to Congress in 1996 but decided not to seek re-election in 2010 for health reasons. He underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor in July 2011.
A licensed pharmacist and farmer, Berry was elected to represent the 1st District in eastern Arkansas after serving in President Bill Clinton’s administration as a special assistant for agricultural trade and food aid. He is quick to focus on issues likely to affect his impoverished district, including agriculture.
Clinton on Saturday praised Berry as someone who “never forgot where he came from.”
“Marion Berry was a great leader, a thoroughly genuine person and a great friend,” Clinton said in a statement. “For more than 40 years, Hillary and I have appreciated her support, appreciated her no-nonsense advice and cherished her wonderful sense of humor.”
Berry is known for his folksy manner and verbal takedowns of his political foes — on both sides of the aisle — as his advocacy for his rural district. He once referred to a Republican congressman on the floor of the House as a “Howdy-Doody-looking nimrod.”
Frustrated with the George W. Bush administration’s response to the Arkansas disasters, he called the Federal Emergency Management Agency “an incompetent bunch of nincompoops who can’t run their agency.”
“His straight talk and sense of humor have attracted attention on the national stage, but those who know him know that delivering results for his constituents is the congressman’s highest priority, always,” said by Arkansas Democratic Party Chairman Grant Tennille.
Former Gov. Mike Beebe, also a Democrat, called Berry “a natural advocate for agricultural issues and for the health of his rural constituents.”
“He’s plain-spoken, loyal, and works hard every day for the people he represents,’” Beebe said.
Berry’s congressional district is a major producer of soybeans, rice and cotton, and Berry pushed aggressively to end the US trade embargo with Cuba, which would boost exports of those products. Berry also advocated lowering prescription costs for seniors and slammed a prescription drug program implemented by former Bush as a “disastrous mess” and a “true legislative disaster.”
Berry, a member of a coalition of moderate and conservative lawmakers known as the “Blue Dog Democrats,” was unapologetic about his quips, saying they reflected his passion for representing his district. He said he would criticize anyone “if I think they are making a serious policy mistake.”
“I don’t see anything wrong with what I did,” he said.
Berry certainly did not release any criticism for President Barack Obama. Shortly before announcing his retirement, Berry said he was disappointed by the “lack of leadership” from Obama on key issues such as health care and climate change.
Berry voted against the Affordable Care Act, the federal health care law also known as “Obamacare.” Berry complained that the measure did not provide enough protection against federal money going to abortions and tried to offer an alternative before the measure passed.
“A son of the Delta, Marion is a farmer and a statesman, whose blend of domestic wisdom and political acumen has always made him a formidable representative for our state,” Republican Gov. . Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement.
Former Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a Republican who served with Berry in Congress, tweeted that “you never know what Marion will say on the floor of the House but she always speaks with passion and humor.”
Berry was born in Stuttgart, Arkansas, and grew up in Bayou Meto near DeWitt. He graduated from the University of Arkansas’ College of Pharmacy in 1965.
A former alderman in the small town of Gillett, Berry was known throughout his political career for promoting the annual “Coon Supper,” a longtime fundraiser for students in which raccoon meat was served into a rite of passage for state candidates.
“If it wasn’t for the Coon Supper, I probably wouldn’t be in public life today,” Berry said in 2006.
In addition to his son, survivors include his wife of more than 60 years, Carolyn, one daughter, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A memorial service will be held June 24 at Gillett Methodist Church in Gillett, Arkansas.
