Dr. Hugh Lansden McHenry, 85, of Florence, AL, passed away June 25th, 2023 after an extended illness. He died peacefully, at home, surrounded by his family. Hugh was born in Baxter, TN to Claude Ceaburn and Myrtle Gertie (Ford) McHenry on August 19th, 1937. He recalled his childhood fondly, often sharing stories about how he and his younger brothers grew up, working and playing on “Doc” Millis’s farm. Those of us lucky enough to have heard about the old goat, the two cats in the barn, or Granny’s https://www.msn.com/en-us/feedconstruction projects will not soon forget. After graduating from Baxter Seminary in 1956 young Hugh continued his education at David Lipscomb University, Tennessee Technological University (B.A.) and finally George Peabody College for Teachers at Vanderbilt where he earned first a Masters and ultimately a PhD in 1970. Hugh made many new friends through the Christian Student Center in Nashville, chiefly Betty Ann White, who would become his wife of 50 years. After marrying in 1963, Hugh and Betty moved to follow the course of his career, first to Oklahoma Christian in Oklahoma City, then The University of Memphis and after retirement, Crowley’s Ridge College in Arkansas. The couple’s final move was to Florence, Alabama where they spent time with their grandsons and extended family. Dr. McHenry served on committees, boards, and teams throughout his career as an educator, but even in retirement, he eagerly tutored and mentored students of all ages. The H.W. Durham Foundation in Memphis, TN was especially important to him and he served with them until his health began to fail. Hugh was a member of the Church of Christ where he served, led and taught in many congregations throughout the south, during the course of his life. Mr. McHenry was preceded in death by his wife: Betty Ann (White) McHenry, parents: Claude C. McHenry and Myrtle G. (Ford) McHenry, brothers: Joe McHenry, Lloyd McHenry, and Roy McHenry, brothers-in-law: Jerry White and Bobby White. He is survived by his children: Bryan McHenry and Emily (Keith) Herston of Florence, AL, grandchildren: Kevin and Nolan Herston, brother: Claude E. McHenry (Carolyn) of Baxter, TN, brother-in-law: Dale White (Kathy) of Columbia TN, as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends. Visitation is Friday, July 7th, 2023 from 6-8pm at Greenview Funeral Home, Florence AL. Services are Saturday, July 8th, 2023 at 12:00 pm at Greenview Chapel, Tim McHenry officiating. Burial will follow in Greenview Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Keith Herston, Kevin Herston, Nolan Herston, Lynn McHenry, Tom Stricklin, and Mark White. We are thankful to Affinity Hospice for their gentle and knowledgeable care in his last days. And finally, we are particularly grateful to the ladies at BeBe (BeBrie) Home Care for the extra attention and kindness they provided Mr. Hugh and our family this year.
