John R. Cherry III is an American film director and screenwriter, most notable for directing movies starring Jim Varney as Ernest P. Worrell. He based the character on a man who worked for his dad who thought that he knew everything but didn't know anything. His only appearances in "Ernest" films were Ernest Goes to Africa as a customer and Ernest in the Army as Sergeant Ben Kovsky. He was the executive vice president of the Nashville-based Carden and Cherry advertising agency, for which the "Ernest" character was developed. He is currently the founder and Co-chairman of the board of "The National Fine Arts Title Registry". A native of Nashville, Cherry attended the Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida. He currently lives in Franklin, Tennessee with his wife and youngest son, who attends Father Ryan High School. He has 3 children: Josh and Emilie from a previous marriage and his son Chapman from his current marriage with Ruthie Cherry. Cherry's son, Josh appeared in Ernest in the Army as Corporal Davis. As of 2011 Mr.Cherry was holding 

October 11th, 1948 in Franklin  /  Died:   May 8th, 2022 - aged 73