Daniel “Dan” Edward Henry, age 74, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at his residence in Columbia, Tennessee.
Dan was born to the late K. D. and Ellen Curry Henry on April 27, 1939 in Trenton, Tennessee. In his own words, Dan enjoyed a great childhood, always following in his father’s footsteps in the fields. He loved the soil, woods, his hunting dogs and the few other simple possessions he had growing up. He graduated from Bethel University after receiving a basketball scholarship. After college he served in the United States Army National Guard.
Dan eventually met Georgia Ary and married the woman he had long been searching to find. Dan was surprised to find out after a few months that Georgia didn’t like his hunting dogs as much as he had expected. They built a happy and full life together, raising their beloved daughters.
He worked for many years as a probation and parole officer for the State of Tennessee, retiring as the Director of Adult Probation.
He was a dedicated member of West 7th Church of Christ and lived his faith daily. In the words of one of his daughters: “He never gave up, and was steadfast in both his life and convictions. He was truly a man who was exactly as he appeared to be. One of God’s greatest blessings to my life was the love of my parents, and heaven is brighter tonight. I, however, am heartbroken.” For those who knew Dan Henry, this is a very apt description of how he lived his life. He was well known in his neighborhood as always being ready to lend a hand, as well as to look out for the safety of those who lived around him.
Mr. Henry is survived by his wife: Georgia Ary Henry; daughters: Dana Henry (Sammy) Salters and Georgia Anne Henry (Bob) Brunton; grandchildren: Lindsey and Logan Brunton. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Jean Henry Penn.
Funeral services for Dan will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Williams Funeral Home in Columbia with Porter King and Ted Burleson officiating. Burial will follow in the Ary Cemetery in Perry County, Tennessee. The family will visit with friends on Friday, November 1, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Jim Grimes, Eugene Holman, Bobby Carter, Joe Ary, Ed Nulter, Bob Brunton and Sammy Salters will serve as pallbearers. Jeffrey Carter and Porter King’s Sunday School Class will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.williamsfh.com.
