Henry Absher

ABSHER, Henry

Henry Gray Absher, 85, passed away unexpectedly at his home on September 7, 2025.

Henry was born December 21, 1939, in North Wilkesboro, NC, to William Oliver Absher and Ruby Tuttle Absher. He grew up around the corner from his high school sweetheart, Sarah Jane Payne, whom he married soon after his graduation from the University of North Carolina in 1962. They began their life together in Charlotte, NC where they lived for 13 years. They enjoyed 3 years in Hickory, NC before settling in Dunwoody, GA where they put down many roots over the next 46 years. Henry and Sarah were active members of St. John's Baptist Church in Charlotte, First Baptist Church in Hickory, and Dunwoody Baptist Church in Atlanta.

A certified public accountant, Henry devoted his entire career to Haskins & Sells (now Deloitte), serving in the firm's offices in Charlotte, Hickory, and Atlanta until his early retirement in 1991. In the Atlanta office he enjoyed coordinating services to many of the firm's international clients. He also gave generously of his time and talents to the community, serving in multiple volunteer roles. Perhaps one of his favorite volunteer roles was serving as treasurer of the British Olympic Association (USA) leading up to the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.

Henry got a taste of international travel in high school when he was chosen to join a group of 43 students visiting Red Cross locations across Europe in 1957. Over their 60-year marriage Henry and Sarah enjoyed traveling both domestically and internationally. Wherever they lived or travelled, Henry and Sarah made lifelong friends.

An avid supporter of University of North Carolina athletics, Henry held season tickets for football and basketball for many years and cherished going to games with family and friends. One of Henry's favorite memories was attending the Final Four in 1982 with his dad when his beloved UNC Tar Heels won the National Title in basketball.

For the last 25 years Henry and Sarah enjoyed spending much time with family and friends at their other home at Haig Point on Daufuskie Island, SC. The island without a bridge was a much-loved gathering place and the source of many treasured memories.

In his retirement years, Henry delighted in spending time managing his portfolio. His own father passed on his love to Henry for investing in the stock market. He guided his children and grandchildren in managing their portfolios as well. He was passionate about being in balance!

Above all, Henry was devoted to his family. He loved Sarah dearly and supported his children and grandchildren in celebrating many milestones throughout the years.

Henry is survived by his sister, Libby Brooks (Len); his children, Beth Hargette (John) and Gray Absher (Kimberly); his granddaughters, Ashley Schroeder (Brandon) and Madison Shreve (John); and his great-granddaughter, Kennedy Schroeder. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Sarah.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Dunwoody Baptist Church, 1445 Mt Vernon Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338. The family will have a brief visitation between 1:00PM and 2:00PM. The service will be followed by a reception at the Church. The service will be live streamed at http://dbc.online.church.

Memorial gifts may be directed to the Dunwoody Baptist Church Men's Class Fund, 1445 Mt. Vernon Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338 or the Daufuskie Island Historical Foundation, PO Box 52, Daufuskie Island, SC 29915.