James Rodney Henry, 71, of Dyersburg, TN, joined the heavenly choir Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017 at The Bridge at Ridgely. He was born in Ames, IA to returning WWII veteran James (Jimmy) Rudell Henry and Charlotte Stewart Henry on March 12, 1946. He was raised in Bruce, and later attended Mississippi State University, as did his father and two of his sons. He was a member of the Famous Maroon Marching Band. His love for everything Mississippi State ran so deep that it was believed he bled maroon.
He met Karen Walters in Memphis, TN on a blind date arranged by mutual friend Betty Crocker. They wed in September of 1970 and moved to Dyersburg in 1976 where he joined Bob Newbill in what would become the accounting firm Newbill and Henry CPAs. He loved and enjoyed his clients and their families all 40 years that he practiced.
He was the proud father of three sons who participated in various athletics and honors programs all during their school years. He was a Boy Scout leader and guided several young men as they achieved the rank of Eagle Scout including his youngest son who joined his two older brothers as Eagle Scouts.
He shared his love of music and singing as an active member of First Baptist Dyersburg where he was a choir member, frequent soloist, quartet/trio member, and served as a substitute choir director “dancing” his way through every hymn. One of his most rewarding achievements was combining a group of men who “couldn’t” sing into the Men’s Choral. This group sang all over Dyer County including other local churches, community events, Relay for Life, and the Dyer County Fair. In addition, he served FBC as a deacon, church treasurer, and leader of various committees.
Outside of faith and family, he had several other passions and interests. He served as a math mentor at Dyersburg Elementary School. He was a member of the Dyersburg Community Choir for several years. As an avid walker, he competed in TN Senior Olympics, winning several awards. Several years ago, he wrote a list of final requests. One was “Be sure I have on shoes and socks, ‘cause I’ll have work to do and places to go once I’m in Heaven”.
He is predeceased by his parents Charlotte and Jimmy, and brother Ricky Stewart Henry. He is survived by his sister Nancy Henry Wesley; Karen, wife of 47 years, and sons Joe (Judy), Sam (Shelli) John (Erin). He has seven grandsons – Jack, Jay Parker, Andersen, Luke, Colton, Eli and John Ross ranging in ages 14 to 3. He was a proud and fun Papa to each of them.
Visitation will be in the Fellowship Hall at First Baptist Church Dyersburg Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018 from 3-5 p.m. A memorial service will be at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary.
Arrangements are being handled by Dyersburg Funeral Home. Memorial donations be made to the First Baptist Building Fund, Dyer County Cancer Fund or a charity of your choice.