James Grady Berry

James Grady Berry, 68, of Cabot, went to be with the angels in the early morning hours of June 8, 2010. He was born April 15, 1942 in Big Woods, Louisiana, the son of Ira and Edrice Shirey Berry and raised in Lake Charles. He worked at Florida and Colorado Schools for the Deaf before moving to Arkansas where he worked for 25 years at the Arkansas School for the Deaf. Grady was a member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his loving wife, Ada and their daughter, April; his brother, Lynn Dale Berry and wife, Bonnie of Lake Charles; and two nieces and their husbands. He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandparents. While at Arkansas School for the Deaf, Grady influenced many young deaf persons in his positions as Dean of Students, Athletic Director, head coach of girls' basketball, assistant coach for boys' football and basketball and as a dorm supervisor. He belonged to the AAD from 1989-1995 and has been a Historic Board member at A.S.D. since 1987. He was a member of the President's Hall of Fame. He loved bowling, golf, fishing, and especially his pets, Pepper and Jackie. Visitation will be Thursday, June 10 from 6-8 p.m. at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.). Services will be Friday, June 11 at 10 a.m. at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Bob Slagley, followed by interment at Hickory Springs Cemetery in Warren. Pallbearers will be Donald Brannon, Chuck Helm, Jim Hieber, Tommy Walker, Al Jordan, Bob Fisher, Earnest Northup and Flint Fears. Honorary pallbearers will be past staff and students of Arkansas School for the Deaf. Memorials may be made to Antioch Baptist Deaf Ministry, 5300 Stagecoach Road, Little Rock, Ark. 72210 or to the A.S.D. Museum. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. Mr. Berry's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.