Sidney Leon Berry

Sidney Leon Berry, born December 24, 1942, in Charleston, Arkansas entered eternal peace as he went home to be with the Lord on February 9, 2026, just 5 weeks following his 83rd birthday. This also would be 28 years to the very day he lost his own father, and at the exact same age as well.

Sidney was preceded in death by his beautiful, most loyal wife of 55 years, Betty Lucille (House) Berry born of Arbuckle Island; his parents, William “Bill” Daniel Berry and Wilma Faye (Whittenberg) of Charleston; his oldest brother, Billy Jack Berry of Charleston; his younger sister, Shirley Ann (Berry) Powell of Pocola, formerly of Charleston.

Sidney met his true love while working at the Chicken Plant in Bloomer as a second job during his senior year of high school. Sidney was so very book smart, learning and knowledge was a gifted talent for him. As a young student he was moved up not once, but twice ahead of his original classmates and friends, placing him in the Class of 1960 instead of 1962, skipping 6th grade and one other grade. Sidney being a Charleston Tiger, and Betty being a Lavaca Golden Arrow, the two literally met in the middle, setting down roots in Bloomer, Arkansas, where they would invest at a very young age in land, and build their first new home, after several moves in rental homes. The couple knew then their dreams were not just for the both of them, but they were making plans for their children, to one day own the land themselves, and raise their own families in the very location they both worked very hard to purchase. Sidney married his “Lucille” on October 13, 1962.

Sidney was a very talented carpenter, who, with his knowledge and determination, built the home they would raise their four children in. He worked the milk farm as a young man, then moved to Allen Canning, and a short time at a gas station off 5th street in Fort Smith. He worked construction for Dyke Brothers Lumber in Fort Smith, moving up from the lumber yard to driving over the road in an 18-wheeler, delivering orders, to being the top leading salesman, receiving awards for his work ethic. In his later years, he worked for Fort Smith Lumber until the tornado of 1996. After rebuilding and moving with Burt Lewis, he worked for River Valley Door and Trim, where he was later joined by his son Dewayne and grandson. Sidney loved building, working side jobs, roofing, laying bricks, and providing for his family.

Sidney enjoyed traveling in the early years of marriage, loading up a truck with family for outings, vacations, or camping. He was a deacon at Central Freewill Baptist Church in the 1980s, where he served alongside Betty, working with the youth group and singing. He had a passion for playing his Gibson guitar and taking photographs. Summers for him meant family outings and game nights.

He is survived by his three sons and one daughter: Delbert and wife, Carrie Berry of Van Buren, Dewayne and wife, Kathi Berry of Charleston, Karren and husband, Jon Robison of Charleston, and Dale and wife, Leah of Charleston. Sidney had eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was also survived by two sisters, one brother, and one sister-in-law.

In his later years, a little rescued dog named Lilly Ann filled the void after Betty’s passing in 2017, becoming his best friend.

Sidney fell on August 24, while attempting to go to the mailbox which led to a broken ankle. Complications during surgery on February 9 resulted in his death, though he fought valiantly.

The family expresses gratitude to all individuals involved in his care, recognizing the efforts of local emergency services and medical personnel.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Thursday, February 12 at McConnell Funeral Home Chapel in Greenwood with a private graveside to follow at Measles Cemetery in Lavaca. Viewing will be Wednesday from 1 – 7 p.m. at the funeral home, where the family will visit friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Pallbearers will be grandsons, sons, and nephews that wish to participate.