Henry Dodgen

James Henry “Mr. Henry” Dodgen, 95, of Newberry, widower of Celia Epting Dodgen, died Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Newberry Health.

Born on March 30. 1930, in Newberry, he was the son of the late Irvin Lee and Janie Ruth Hedgepath Dodgen. Mr. Henry was an Army veteran. He operated Dodgen's Engine Rebuilding and was a charter member of the Friendly Fire Department. He was also a member of West End Baptist Church where he faithfully served the church in many capacities over the years.

Mr. Henry is survived by his daughter, Laurie (Steve) Ferguson of Flat Rock, NC; a grandson, Rion James (Clarissa) Ferguson of Fountain Inn and a great-grandson, Braeden Kennington; a sister, Frances Counts of Prosperity; nephews, Bryan Counts and Johnny Counts and an extra daughter, Sylvia (Rick) Thackray and extra grandchildren, Tamara Thackray and Natalie Thackray.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, July 24, 2025, at West End Baptist Church by the Rev. Kevin Carter. Burial will follow in Newberry Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends following the service in the Newberry Memorial Gardens Family Room.

Memorials may be made to West End Baptist Church, 630 Main Street, Newberry, SC 29108 or to the Friendly Fire Department, PO Box 1048, Newberry, SC 29108.

Active pallbearers will be Bob Pollard, Bryan Counts, Melvin Epting, Parker Bobb, Gregg Harmon and Tony Hedgepath .

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Friendly Fire Department and the Deacons of West End Baptist Church.