Willie Clarence Henry Sr.

Willie Clarence Henry Sr. was born in Leon County to Samuel Henry, Sr. and Florence Brown Henry on May 18, 1953. He was preceded in death by his parents; as well as his siblings: Samuel Henry, Jr., Marie H. Steward, Virginia H. Petty, and Vicky H. Johnson.
Willie was raised in a Christian home by loving, God-fearing parents who taught their children the importance of getting a college education. He grew up in his family's home place of worship, Swain Bethel Primitive Baptist Church, where he accepted Christ at an early age. It was in that family home-setting and church where Willie learned how to be loving, kind and gracious, and develop a strong commitment to providing service to the community.
Willie was educated in the public schools of Leon County and graduated from Amos P. Godby in 1971. At Godby, he was an outstanding student athlete, participating in both basketball and football from his freshman to his senior years, lettering in both. He was also active in several service clubs and maintained the Dean's list throughout his matriculation. After high school, Willie enrolled at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in the School of Business and Industry where he majored in Business (Accounting). There he continued his scholarship, where he was inducted into FAMU's Beta Gamma Sigma, an international business honor society for the top 5% business school programs. After graduation, Willie moved to Miami, where he was introduced to the love of his life through a neighbor. That chance meeting in Goulds, Florida, 48 years ago sparked a deep friendship-one that soon blossomed into a lifelong bond. Willie and Rose married on July 2, 1980, and together they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Their joy grew with the arrival of their son, Willie Jr., completing a family rooted in warmth and care. To Rose, Willie was more than a husband-he was her rock, her provider, her best friend. He was kind and attentive, always ensuring she and her children were cared for and loved. There was nothing he wouldn't do for his family. Together, they created lasting memories-whether at family reunions, cheering on FAMU, watching Westerns, or simply sharing quiet moments side by side. Willie's love was steady, his presence comforting, and his commitment to his family unshakable.
Willie built a meaningful career in Miami where he dedicated his life to educating and mentoring young minds. He began his journey as a math teacher at Mays Middle School before going on to inspire students at the high school level. He taught at a number of schools, including South Miami High School, Palmetto Senior High School, and Edison Senior High School. Willie's passion for student growth extended far beyond the classroom. He coached both basketball and football at South Miami and Palmetto, and briefly coached football at Edison while in his role as Athletic Director. As Athletic Director at Miami Edison Senior High for over 15 years, he championed a generation of student-athletes, many of whom went on to achieve success both academically and athletically. One of his most cherished experiences was having his son, Willie Jr., accompany him on daily rides to Edison, where father and son shared the halls during Jr.'s high school years-growing together academically, athletically, and personally. After a fulfilling an impactful career touching countless lives, Willie retired with pride, ready to enjoy the fruits of his labor and the joys of family and life well lived. A loving brother, devoted husband, incredible father, and educator-Willie was a man whose presence left an indelible mark on every life he touched. Over the years, his impact, charm, and character earned him many names: to some, he was Big Willie; to others, Willie C, Mr. Henry, or simply Deak. Each nickname was a reflection of the different roles he played and the many hearts he touched along the way.
Willie C leaves to cherish precious memories, his devoted wife: Rose M Henry; four children: Valerie Kennerly, Angela (Fred) Thomas, Latacha (Brian) Cohen, and Willie (Orrie) Henry, Jr; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, eight sisters: Althea Jenkins, Mary Lee Henry, Pauline Hodges, Everline Hamm, Vivian Browdy, Pearl Henry, Inez Henry, Joan Wimberly, and one brother, Timothy G. (Barbara) Henry; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
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