Charles Benjamin Berry, 71, a former Jena resident, departed this life on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 following a brief illness.
He was a resident of Holly Lake Ranch in Wood County, Texas at the time of his death.
Charlie was born December 10, 1948 in Oakdale, Louisiana to C. W. Berry, Jr. and Helen E. Berry. He attended public schools in Oakdale, graduating from Oakdale High School in 1965.
Following graduation he attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. His education was interrupted by a tour in the U.S. Army, following which he returned to LSU, graduating from there in 1973.
Charlie spent years in the insurance business and taught courses for prospective agents and continuing education for many years. For a long time, he operated an insurance agency and represented a mail order firm from the present location of the Brisket House.
Charlie was a die-hard LSU football fan and played in the Tiger Band during his tenure there. Most Jena Giant fans will remember Charlie as the sidekick of the late Larry Evans as the pair broadcast Jena Giant football games. Charlie will forever be remembered for his saying, “Yellow on the Green” when officials threw a flag during the game. He, too, was a former football official. He also was an avid fisherman and generally enjoyed the outdoors.
A private memorial service was held at 1 p.m., June 13, 2020, at the grave site of his parents in Winnsboro. Charlie was predeceased by his parents.
He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Marilyn; his brother, Jim Berry (Tammie) of Rayville; and by his children, Shon George Berry (Denniece) of West Monroe, Cara Stutzman (Blake) of Gonzales, and Phillip Charles Berry (Brittnie) of Caddo Mills, TX; his beloved grandchildren, Andrew Berry, Benjamin Berry, Ethan Stutzman, Avary Grace Stutzman, Sydney Ann Berry, and Zachary Berry.