Charles Eugene Henry, age 91, passed away on Wednesday, March 14th at his home on St. Helena Island. Charles was born November 19, 1926 in Norwich, NY to the late Edwin Washington and Margaret Herr Henry. He was a 1944 graduate of Norwich High School. He is predeceased by his parents, his older brother and sister, Herbert Henry and Viola Miller, and his younger sister, Maxine (Mickie) Garland. His wife of 65 years, Nettie Dubois Kinard Henry recently died in August of 2017. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Merrile Kinard of Charleston.
Charles, called Chuck by his friends and family, was a lifelong learner, curious about everything and, as an engineer at heart, able to build or fix almost anything. After high school, classified as
Essential Services, Charles served his country during WW II by staying on his parent’s farm, tirelessly growing and delivering farm goods throughout New York and New Jersey to support the war effort.
In 1947, the family sold their farm in NY and purchased land on St. Helena Island. They operated a dairy farm, running a milk route to the homes in Beaufort, which led to Charles meeting his future wife delivering milk to the Kinard family home on Greene Street. After the passing of his father, Charles expanded into tomatoes, cucumbers and soybeans, experimenting with other crops occasionally. During those years, he was active in the S.C. Tomato Growers Association, the S.C. Cucumber Board, the S.C. and Beaufort Farm Bureaus, and the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service. Charles eventually closed the dairy and transitioned into sod farming, still operating today as Henry Farms, Inc.
Charles was proud of his early support of Beaufort Academy, sending his five children to the school from its beginning. He rarely missed a BA soccer game, travelling throughout SC to watch his three sons play. Charles and Nettie were married in and attended Carteret St. UMC, religiously taking the children to Sunday School and church in their younger years. He taught his children how to have fun, always ready for a competitive croquet game or even building a dune buggy. He achieved his dream of flying by obtaining his pilot’s license and flying his beloved Cessna 172 out of Frogmore International Airport.
Charles devoted the last 10 years to taking care of Nettie, providing everything needed to allow her to stay at home while suffering from Alzheimer’s. He rarely left her side. He is survived by their children: C. Allen Henry, D.V.M.; Wesley D. Henry, M.D. (Donna), Laura H. Allen (Jack), Craig M. Henry (Christi) and Gail H. Johnson (Brad). Charles also leaves behind his 15 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly.
Charles displayed special qualities: hard working, demanding, very talkative, yet possessing a kind heart and supportive nature. He persevered through the unimaginably harsh years of the Great Depression and World War II and the inherent difficulties of farming, all while retaining his joy of life and love of learning. He will be deeply missed.His family would like to thank the multiple caregivers to Charles and Nettie and also Dr. ClarkTrask for his excellent and compassionate care provided to both over many years.
Visitation will be on Thursday, March 22nd at Anderson Funeral Home in Beaufort, SC from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 23rd at 1:00 at Carteret St. United Methodist Church with Rev. Frank E. Lybrand officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to a reception after the burial in the Fellowship Hall of Carteret St. UMC. Memorials in his honor are welcomed to be made to Carteret St. United Methodist Church, 408 Carteret St., Beaufort, SC 29902. Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.