Former U.S. Rep. Robert Marion Berry, an Arkansas Democrat who served seven phrases in Congress and was recognized for blunt rhetoric and his advocacy for farmers and aged residents, has died. He was 80.

Berry, who was often called “Marion,” died Friday, his household confirmed in an announcement Saturday. A explanation for demise was not offered.

“With his signature quick wit and way with words, he lived his life in service to others,” mentioned Berry’s son, Mitch. “He truly believed that the role of government was to help people, and it was a charge he took very seriously. He was generous with his time and talents as his dozens of mentees can attest.”

Berry was first elected to Congress in 1996 however determined in opposition to reelection in 2010 for well being causes. He underwent surgical procedure to take away a mind tumor in July 2011.

A licensed pharmacist and farmer, Berry was elected to signify the first District in japanese Arkansas after serving in President Bill Clinton’s administration as a particular assistant for agricultural commerce and meals help. He rapidly centered on points almost certainly to affect his notably poor district, together with agriculture.

Berry was often called a lot for his folksy method and verbal takedowns of his political enemies - on each side of the aisle - as his advocacy for his rural district. He as soon as referred to a Texas Republican congressman on the House flooring as a “Howdy-Doody-looking nimrod.”

PHOTOS: Former Arkansas U.S. Rep. Marion Berry, who served 7 phrases, dies at 80

Frustrated with the George W. Bush administration’s response to disasters in Arkansas, he known as the Federal Emergency Management Agency “an incompetent bunch of nincompoops that simply can’t run their agency.”

His congressional district was a significant producer of soybeans, rice and cotton, and Berry aggressively pushed for an finish to the U.S. commerce embargo with Cuba, which might have boosted exports of these merchandise. Berry additionally advocated for decreasing prescription prices for seniors and lambasted a prescription drug program enacted by former Bush as a “catastrophic mess” and a “genuine legislative disaster.”

Berry, a member of a coalition of reasonable and conservative lawmakers often called “Blue Dog Democrats,” was unapologetic about his quips, saying it mirrored his ardour for representing his district. He mentioned he would criticize anybody “when I think they are making a serious policy mistake.”

“I don’t see anything wrong with what I’ve done,” he mentioned.

Berry definitely didn’t spare any criticism for President Barack Obama. Shortly earlier than asserting his retirement, Berry mentioned he was upset with a “lack of leadership” from Obama on key points comparable to well being care and local weather change.

Berry voted in opposition to the Affordable Care Act, the federal well being care regulation often known as “Obamacare.” Berry complained that the measure didn't present sufficient safety in opposition to federal cash going towards abortions and tried to supply an alternate earlier than the measure handed.

Berry was born in Stuttgart, Arkansas, and grew up in Bayou Meto close to DeWitt. He graduated from the University of Arkansas’ College of Pharmacy in 1965.

In addition to his son, survivors embrace his spouse of greater than 60 years, Carolyn, a daughter, 4 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A memorial service might be held June 24 on the Gillett Methodist Church in Gillett, Arkansas.

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