Bobbie Gene Berry

Bobbie Gene Berry, 85, of Paragould, former Manila resident, passed from this life Sunday, June 9, 2019, in Jonesboro and entered into paradise. He became a Christian in 1981 and attended various churches, including Central Baptist Church of Jonesboro and Grace Baptist Church of Paragould. Born in Manila, he was the son of the late Villard and Laura Massey Berry and had attended schools in Manila and Blytheville, and was a 1951 graduate of Anacostia High School in Washington, D.C. He attended the University of Maryland for one year before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1952. During his military career he attended Officer Candidate School, Army Aviation Flight School, Army Command and General Staff College among others. During his service, Bob graduated from Park College with a bachelor's degree in education, magna cum laude, and a master's degree in education from the University of Southern California, summa cum laude. He was a Master Army Aviator and received numerous awards and decorations for meritorious service, as well as bravery in the face of the enemy. After 24 years of service, including two tours in Vietnam and six years in Europe, Bob retired from active duty as Lieutenant Colonel in 1977. He was also a highly decorated sport parachutist, both in the United States and Europe. He had served with Kiwanis and Lions Club and was a member of several military affiliated service organizations. He was a current member of the Military Officers Association of America and its local affiliate.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Jack Berry and Jim Berry, and one sister Almeda Berry.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Zona Belle Berry of Paragould; his sons, David Allen Berry of Colorado and Robert Dean Berry of Kansas; his daughter, Lynn Ann Phillips of Brookland. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, at the First Church of the Nazarene in Paragould. The family requests lasting memorials be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Arrangements are under the direction of Howard Funeral and Cremation Service in Manila.

Online guest register: www.howardfuneralservice.com