John "Johnny" C. Berry

John Champion “Johnny” Berry Jr, 73, passed away on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at his home in Fort Smith. He was born on December 29, 1948, in Fort Smith. His parents, John Champion “Jack” Sr. and Laura Sue Berry, preceded him in death. He was a member of Fort Smith Southside High School’s first graduating class, in 1966. He attended Arkansas Tech University. In 1979, he began his long professional career with Century A/C Supply in Houston, Texas. He retired in 2006, a respected expert in air conditioning. He was a 40-year member of Mensa International. He was an avid fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks and enjoyed attending Hogs baseball games with his brother.

From 1970 to 1973, he served in the United States Army. He was assigned to the United States Army in Vietnam and served as a Unit Supply Specialist in the 86th Maintenance Battalion. Under the US Army Support Command, Qui Nohn, his unit was deployed to the Cha Rang Valley where it was responsible for improving the South Vietnamese garrison commodity distribution system. After departure from Vietnam, his battalion was attached to the 2nd Infantry Division, and he served in South Korea. His father served in World War Two, in the 90th Infantry Division, and landed on Utah Beach in Normandy on D-Day. His great-granduncle James Henderson Berry was the fourteenth governor of Arkansas, and a United States Senator. One of his paternal great-grandfathers was Thomas E. Champion, who commanded the 96th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment during the American Civil War.

He is survived by his brother Gimo Berry, his sister Susan Berry Hall, and his son John Champion “Jesse” Berry III. Johnny was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Fort Smith.

Memorial Graveside service with military funeral honors will be held 11:00 AM Monday at the Fort Smith National Cemetery. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Gabe Berry, Gimo Berry, Gimo Berry II, Jesse Berry, Berry Jones, Scott Jones, Wade Jones, and Edward Taranto.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or go to www.stjude.org