Former Arkansas Rep. Beryl Franklin Anthony Jr. passes away at 86

By 
 January 17, 2025

Arkansas natives were left saddened this week after learning that longtime former lawmaker Beryl Franklin Anthony Jr. had died at the age of 86. 

According to KARK, Anthony was born in El Dorado and obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

Anthony spent 14 years in Congress

He subsequently earned a Juris Doctorate at the University of Arkansas School of Law before becoming an assistant attorney general under Attorney General Bruce Bennett.

Anthony then went on to spend four years serving as deputy prosecuting attorney in Union County, after which he was successfully ran for prosecuting attorney there in 1970.

His political career ultimately took him to the United States Capitol where he represented his district between 1979 and 1993.

An online obituary recalled how "Anthony lost his bid for re-election in 1992" and began practicing law "as a partner in the Washington office of Winston and Strawn."

The obituary explained that Anthony "is survived by his wife, Sheila Anthony, and daughters, Alison Anthony Bethune (Sam) and Lauren Anthony Cargill, and five granddaughters, Nicole and Olivia Bethune, and Lilia, Hope and Juliet Cargill."

Governor: Anthony was "a forceful advocate for Arkansas' interests"

Meanwhile, Arkansas Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders issued a statement on Thursday which celebrated Anthony's life.

"Former Representative Beryl Anthony, Jr. was equal parts South Arkansas forester, country lawyer, and Capitol Hill insider – a potent mix that made him a forceful advocate for Arkansas’ interests during his 14 years in Congress," Sanders declared.

"Though Anthony’s final congressional term ended more than three decades ago, Americans still feel his family’s legacy today in areas like trade, infrastructure, and Social Security," the governor pointed out."Our prayers are with Anthony’s wife Sheila, his daughters Alison and Lauren, and everyone else who knew and loved this kind-hearted public servant," Sanders went on to add.

Democratic Party of Arkansas calls Anthony "a truly great Arkansan"

The Democratic Party of Arkansas marked Anthony's passing with a statement posted to social media, noting, "Democrats [and] Republicans are mourning the loss of a truly great Arkansan: former Congressman Beryl Anthony."

"From his leadership in Congress to his dedicated service to his communities back home, Rep. Anthony will be missed by so many across the Natural State and the nation," it continued.

The party concluded by saying, "Anthony championed Social Security, funding for infrastructure projects right here at home, and healthcare access in our local rural communities."

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