Alvin Henry

1933 - 2016

Alvin Leon Henry
1933-2016
Alvin (Al) L. Henry entered eternal rest on April 6, 2016. He was born to the late Forest T. Henry Sr. and Belzora Butler Henry. Three sisters, Betty Henry Chatman, Jennie Henry Crawford and Erma Henry Collins also preceded him in death. He is survived by a loving wife Alfreda, a sister Rosa Henry Doyle and two brothers Forest T. Henry Jr. and Wiley E. Henry and their families, and a great extended family of nieces, nephews, other relative and friends.
Al grew up in Houston's Fifth Ward graduating with honors from Phillis Wheatley High School. He then entered pre-law studies at Howard University in Washington, D.C. He was active in sports and school activities at both schools. He served in the U.S. Army in the U.S. and Germany; received an Honorable Discharge and a Distinguished Unit Citation. He returned to Washington to serve with the Inter-State Commerce Commission, before returning to Houston and attending the Law School at Texas Southern University. Immediately after graduating with Honors from Law School he was admitted to the State Bar of Texas and joined the Houston City Attorney's Office.
Al became one of TSU's most active supporters. He was elected President of the TSU National Alumni Association, and served several years. He was a founder, and the first President of the Maroon and Gray Athletic Boaster Club. For several years, he served on the Board of the TSU Foundation. In 1982 and again in 1996, Al chaired National Alumni Fund Raising Campaigns. Thru the years he received several awards from the University including a Distinguished Alumni Award.
When Al joined the City Attorney's Office he became the first African American to serve in a professional capacity at City Hall. Later he was appointed Administrative Assistant to the Mayor, and played a significant role in the de-segregating the city, its workforce and city services. He was often cited by Mayor Welch as one who played a very significant role in preventing unrest and turmoil in the City of Houston. Al's typical reply was "I lost a lot of sleep, but learned a great deal about Human Relations".
Al had opportunities to join the "Private Sector", but chose a career in Public Service. He continued to serve the city through service on Boards, Commissions, and Committees. In several instances he became the first person of color to serve; i.e. The City Civil Service Commission. He also represented the city before, the U.S. Congress and the State Legislative.
During his tenure with the city, President Johnson appointed him to the President's Council on youth opportunity. He was reappointed by President Nixon, serving at the same time as Houston's Youth Coordinator. Later, he was appointed by President Carter to serve on the Fifth Circuit Judges Nominating Committee.
Upon leaving the Mayor's office and City Hall, Al joined Houston's United Way. He also worked closely with the United Way of America chairing a National Task Force on Minority Staff Development. An outgrowth of this was the founding of the National Minority Roundtable, a project designed to promote diversity in social human services throughout the nation.
In 1985 Al became President and CEO of Neighborhood Centers Inc., Houston's largest social human services agency. During his tenure NCI experienced tremendous growth, resulting in its becoming one of the nations promise agencies. After retiring from NCI, AL formed Alvin L. Henry and Associates, a Social-Human Services Consulting Firm Boards including: Comerica Bank, Texas Educational Foundation. The Landowners of Texas, Texas Farm Bureau, The Park People and The United Way.
Retirement also meant more time to devote to a lifelong dream; the development of his Eastfork Ranch, raising Black Brangus Cattle, and American Quarter Horses. He and Freda built a home on the same plot where his great grandfather had built his first cabin.
In 1999 he was appointed by the Governor to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission (another first). He was asked to use his knowledge and experience to ensure that all Texans (especially Urban Youth) would benefit from TPW's programs, facilities and services. He discovered a strong, vibrant organization, led by people with compassion, knowledge and very strong sense of community and conservation.
Volunteer leaders like Lee M. Bass and Joseph Fitzsimmons set a high bar for honesty, integrity, competence and service. Staff members like Andy Sanson, Michelle Klaus, and Jonathan Gray were very helpful. They became outstanding public servants and friends. While serving on the Commission, Al led a local campaign (raising over three million dollars) to build the Environmental Learning Center at Sheldon Lake State Park. He took special pride in the building of the John Jacob Observation Tower, named for a good friend. Other prized services included serving as Vice Chairman of the Commission, and chairing the Texas Parks and Wildlife Expo; the agency's premier event. It's no wonder that he considered TPW among his favorite community service. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department named an Internship in honor of Al, who continued to serve the agency as a member of the State Parks Advisory Committee.
Al was a member of Pilgrims Congregational United Church of Christ, serving in several capacities including Chairman of the Board of Trustees. He also held Life Membership in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and the NAACP.
He received many distinguished commendations form: The City of Houston, The Urban League, YMCA, Julia C. Hester House, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and National Forum for Black Public Administrators, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., United Way of America, the United Way of Greater Houston (his favorite local organization). He followed in his father's footsteps in being selected, and installed in the Wheatley High School Wall of Honor, becoming the only father and son so honored.
Services
Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ
3115 Blodgett
Houston, Texas 77004
Rev. A. Keith Edwards, Pastor
Date: April 9, 2016
Time: 11:00 Omega Service for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
11:30 Visitation
12:00 Funeral Service
Interment: Golden Gate Cemetery
The family request that in lieu of flowers, or customary remembrances, a memorial contribution be made to "Pilgrim Legacy Endowment", a church program designed by Al to help needy neighbors.