Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
William Henry Obituary
He was born December 5, 1935, in Washington, a son of the late Rush S. Henry and Huldah Henry Whitlatch.
Mr. Henry was a lifelong member of Jefferson Avenue Methodist Church, Washington.
He was a 1953 graduate of Washington High School and a 1957 graduate of Washington & Jefferson College. He studied at University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School and received a master of business administration degree from George Washington University.
Mr. Henry was employed during the 1950s at Mellon National Bank in Washington.
He served in the U.S. Navy from 1959 until he retired from military service as a commander in 1986. During his Naval career, he served in the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1965 and was assigned to other duty stations in Norfolk, Va., Charleston, S.C., London, England, Washington, D.C., Newport, R.I., and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. His service included assignments aboard two U.S. Naval ships: destroyer USS R.L. Wilson and aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (twice), National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Surviving are two brothers, Richard S. "Dick" and wife Shirley of Jacksonville, Fla., and Gaylord F. "Jack" Sr. and wife Mona Lou of Washington; a sister, Marian Henry Farner of Washington; 10 nieces and nephews; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Henry
Lawrence Alan Blackstone
August 7, 2025
We had some great times together. Was and always will be missed.
Louanne Frederickson
August 7, 2025
We still miss and love you, Uncle Bill - I see your smiling face right next to my desk on the bulletin board every day.
Lawrence Alan Blackstone
August 7, 2024
I still remember the good times together.
Louanne Frederickson
August 7, 2024
Your photo is still on my bulletin board right next to where I work - I think of you every day. Miss you and love you, Uncle Bill!
George M.
August 10, 2023
I did think about Bill on Aug. 6 and played my Carole King cd. I remember his quiet kindness!
Lawrence Alan Blackstone
August 7, 2023
Best roomate
Louanne Frederickson
August 8, 2022
We still miss you and love you, Uncle Bill!
Lawrence Blackstone
August 7, 2021
I still talk about Bill and the good times we had.
Larry Blackstone
August 7, 2020
Bill was not only a great roomate ,but a true friend.
Peg Gifford
August 7, 2019
The reminder of Bill's passing from Legacy came up on my computer today and it brought with it a startling fact - life goes on and life changes in a heartbeat. Since Helen and Bob's dear friend passed just 3 short years ago, they have both gone to be with him (Helen January 2017 age 94 and Bob July 2018 age 95), as has my husband, Paul (age 92), Bob's brother, this past January 2019. I can only imagine the reunion that took place in the heavens. I will never EVER forget Bill's outreach to his dear friends in his last days when he provided them with the entire collection of Bob and Helen's 'Bottom of the Barrel' Christmas cards of 50 years. He had saved every single one of them. 50 years! Let that sink in.....50 years of saving Christmas cards from his friends. I was in awe. At the end of his time on earth, Bill wanted Bob and Helen to have them......what a loving and dear man. Bob was overcome with emotion when I brought the package to him. I now hold on to this rare treasure and symbol of friendship. I wish I had the pleasure of meeting Bill. Perhaps in the next world. My condolences remain extended to all his family and friends on the loss of an obviously wonderful gentleman and citizen.
January 17, 2017
Dave, Thank you so much for your kind words and so true about my Uncle Bil. Thank you for extending the guest book also. -All the best- Rush Henry
Louanne Frederickson
January 17, 2017
Dave, I am one of Bill's ten nieces and nephews, and wanted you to know that I live in Harrisburg and have some home movies on DVD that Bill took at W&J. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] if you'd like to get acquainted and see the movies. Thank you, too, for your kind words and for extending the guest book.
Jeannie Conway
January 16, 2017
Dave, thank you for extending the guestbook-its nice to read all the messages from our Uncle Bill's many friends.
David Williams
January 13, 2017
I was so sorry to read about Bill's death in the latest edition of the Washington & Jefferson College Magazine. I offer my sincere condolences to his family. He was one of the kindest, most likeable persons that I have ever known.
Greg Boorsma
September 8, 2016
During my years living in Honolulu I had many walks around the Ala Wai Canal. My favorite part was walking slowly past Bill's building and seeing him in the window. I would always wait until he looked out and saw me and we had our morning wave. Thanks Bill for many good times and conversations.
September 7, 2016
I met Bill in 1968 when he and my husband,Bob reported to duty in Falls.Church, VA. Many a good times we had. Of course the Navy sent us in different directions but we were always in touch and visited on our trips to Hawaii. A great guy- I will miss you, Bill. Dottie Bechtelheimer El Cajon, CA
Robert Gifford
August 27, 2016
Helen and Bob Gifford bid sad and heartfelt farewell to our dear friend Bill Henry who has enlivened our lives for so many years. We also send our love and deep appreciation.
michael jon foft
August 24, 2016
We first met Bill on the beach in Waikiki in the early '80s, and for the next 30 years spent our Holiday Season there - always seeing Bill of course.
What a joy it was to meet-up with him every year - he'd graciously welcome us with open arms and his twinkling/sparklingly eyes and that impish smile.
There are many dear memories of those days on the beach, and the many "sunset happy-hours" at one of the bars. He'd introduce us to his local friends and include us in all their activities and festivities. Yes, we had FUN.
It is indeed our privilege to have known such a fine gentleman. (they just don't make them like that anymore).
And that his 10 nieces and nephews are going to honor and pay their respects is a testament to all that he met to so very many of us. We all are better people for having known him!
Aloha - Michael Jon Foft-William J McCrory. Citrus Hts, Ca
August 23, 2016
We so appreciated Bill's work to settle George's estate. A true friend for many years.
Leigh Evans Davis
August 22, 2016
Bill was such a kind person! I am sorry I did not meet him until my Uncle George passed away. What a true friend he was to George.
Barbara Evans
August 22, 2016
What a wonderful lifelong friend to our Uncle George! We so enjoyed hearing of their many adventures. Bill helped us through George's passing with stories, administrative efficiency, and his kindness and thoughtfulness. Tough to put into words what a truly wonderful man and friend Bill was.
August 16, 2016
August 16, 2016
I just found this photo of my college roommate's daughter and her friend. Her uncle, my friend's brother, also died from a glioblastoma, about a year before Uncle Bill was diagnosed. As soon as she heard about our uncle's diagnosis, she sent this picture from a run for brain cancer research that she was involved in. They understood even before we did what our brave uncle was facing, and she ran for both of our uncles that day. Thanks, Elisha!
George Metzger
August 16, 2016
My friend Bill Henry--what a dear person. His dedication to the AIDS Quilt and also his constant support of the HABIT bowling tournament throughout the 90's will never be forgotten. Jello shots anyone??! I remember Bill every time I smell a gardenia.
Dunc Dempster
August 16, 2016
Ding Ding Henry, departing. Gonna miss you, old pal, at our Hau Tree luncheons, with Heddy, George and the rest. God speed.
Bill at the Hau Tree
August 16, 2016
Mike Young
August 15, 2016
Sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of Bill. Blessings to all.
Cherry Leybag
August 15, 2016
God gained another angel. It was great working with you for Waikiki Skyliner Board. You will truly be missed.
- Susan DeCorte & Cherry Leybag
Hawaiiana Management Co., Ltd
Nancy Lou Betts
August 15, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with the Henry Family
Michael Robertson
August 15, 2016
Dear Bill. So sorry to hear but I know you're in a better place now . A big aloha to you ,say hello to Alan
August 15, 2016
You will be missed, Joe & Anne Parrillo
August 15, 2016
Don Lawson
August 15, 2016
Bill was a friend and we enjoyed many a birthday celebration with him at Hy's Steak House in Waikiki celebrating his friend Dick Greenlaw's birthday each June 14th. Enjoyed our last dinner at Hy's this year on the 14th of June. I know he will be missed by his many friends and may his family find peace and serenity in remembering a life fulfilled.
Tom Biermann
August 15, 2016
I met Bill years ago when my job as a Flight Attendant took me to Honolulu for layovers. We became friends and visited through the years...and he was always so special and caring and giving. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and was so kind and compassionate. He was the type of friend one could not see for a long time, and when we met up again...we picked right up where we left off. My condolences and sympathy to Bill's entire family and friends.
August 15, 2016
You have our sincere sympathy, may God Bless you .
Ronnie Foreman and family.
August 15, 2016
I was so shocked but also thankful to receive the e-mail about Bill. I worked with him at Charles-ton Naval shipyard in early 60s and we have kept in touch over the years at birthday and Christmas times. you are in my thoughts and prayers during this time. God Bless. love, peggy reeves whaley
August 15, 2016
August 15, 2016
Tom Cannizzaro
August 15, 2016
So sorry to hear this news. What a wonderful man he was. My condolences to your family.
August 15, 2016
A great friend in London. Very sorry indeed he will be missed . My condolences to the family.
peter van Dissel London.
John Wilson
August 15, 2016
Goodbye old friend, we had a lot of fun together.
Rocco Sansone
August 15, 2016
Bill was a friend and gentleman. Always shared a smile, would be there to help when needed and had a great sense of humor. His Honolulu friends share in this loss and regret deeply his passing.
Larry Blackstone
August 15, 2016
An old friend and roommate from Charleston,SC and Saigon. Will miss catching up with our yearly Xmas cards. Will miss you.
Harry & Carol Bainer
August 15, 2016
Sorry to read about the passing of your brother. May the Lord comfort you and your family.
Paul & Peg Gifford
August 14, 2016
To the family of Bill Henry - we didn't know him personally, but he has been a friend of many years to Paul's brother, Robert L. Gifford, USNavy Retired and his wife Helen of Sarasota, FL. Christmas of 2014 he returned to Bob and Helen the entire collection of Christmas cards (Bottom of the Barrel Cards) that Bob and Helen made and sent out - no small accomplishment as these cards were for a period of 50 years. That meant a great deal to Bob and Helen. We knew then he must be a very special and caring person. We will break the news to Bob and Helen tomorrow and send our sincere condolences to Bill's entire family. We know the last few years have been tough for him and all of you. So sorry for your loss.
Michael "Mika" Foster
August 14, 2016
My deepest sympathies to the family of the late Bill Henry. He had the gift of making all those around him laugh and smile. He is greatly missed.
August 14, 2016
August 14, 2016
So sorry to hear this sad news. I will share with Mother. I know Bill always meant a lot to Mom and your whole family! Love to ALL of you! Peggy Lee
August 14, 2016
Cheri Randall
August 14, 2016
I will miss Bill, but know you are with your Aunt Edna and Barry.
Bob Alward
August 14, 2016
Gone but never forgotten. We shared lots of good times and memories. Your favorite Hawaiian saying goes "big winds blow, island Gods angry- we kissy kissy no more, before I go I dance for you." Keep on dancing my good friend. Aloha nui loa.
Bob (Boo) Coulton
August 14, 2016
Having known Bill for 35 years as a friend and Navy coworker he was always the consummate gentleman. His sense of humor was sharp and witty and I always enjoyed his jokes. While he was still in the Navy, I have great memories of going out to lunch on-base in his temperamental Fiat convertible. Such fun! And then there was his Easter story about marshmallow "Peeps" when he was a young Lieutenant in Charleston. We would laugh no matter how many times he told the story. Bill will certainly be missed.
Fair winds and following seas my friend...
"Boo"
Michael Mastrogiuseppe
August 14, 2016
I've known Bill for 30 years, always looked forward to see him on my many trips to Hawaii, Bill you will be missed.
Michael Mastrogiuseppe
August 14, 2016
Bill was one of the first people I met when I went to Hawaii in 1984 He always made sure I met everyone when I'd see him on Sunday afternoons. This went on for 30 years. I will certainly miss seeing him when I return.
John Defreitas
August 14, 2016
Bill will be missed by many friends here in Hawaii. He was a good man, a very good man. He gave it his best in this cancer struggle, never waning to give in or give up. May he now rest in peace
CAPTAIN R. BECHTELHEIMER
August 14, 2016
BILL AND I WERE IN THE NAVAL AUDIT SERVICE. I WAS STATIONED IN THE HONOLULA OFFICE AND BILL IN THE LONDON OFFICE. THE AUDIT SVC PUBLISHED A RECURITING MAGAZINE AND IT HAD A PICTURE OF ME ON THE BEACH IN HAWAII AND BILL STANDING UNDER THE "BIG BEN" IN LONDON.
Richard Gross
August 14, 2016
I served under Commander Henry from 1984-1987 when I was a officer serving at the Naval Audit Office Honolulu. Commander Henry was a wonderful Officer and a great man. He was always upbeat, very dedicated and a great mentor. We couldn't have asked for a better leader. I and so many others were better people for having known him. He will be missed. Rest in peace.
Rick Gross
Tom Sheeran
August 14, 2016
Bill was a dedicated volunteer for the NAMES Project in Honolulu and helped many people create AIDS Quilt panels for their loved ones. Always ready to help, but always let others have the limelight. He will be greatly missed.
Aloha to all his family and friends.
August 14, 2016
August 14, 2016
August 14, 2016
August 14, 2016
August 14, 2016
August 14, 2016
Ed McCausland
August 13, 2016
A true friend of WHS Class of 1953. Will miss him.
August 13, 2016
Uncle Jack, Aunt Mona and family, you have our deepest sympathies. Lucien Bright and Family, Missy and Ray, Cathy and Jeff, Lucien and Dana.
Louanne Frederickson
August 13, 2016
Uncle Bill was adored by all of us and will be greatly missed. His grin, his sense of fun, his generosity, the importance he placed on keeping in touch with family and friends during all of his travels and adventures will not be forgotten. He was a very special person in all of our lives, and always made us aware that we were all very special to him. Rest in peace, dear uncle - we will miss you more than we can say.
Ethel Wagers & Jim Jacobs
August 13, 2016
Our sympathy goes out to the family members of Bill Henry. May your childhood memories help you through this sad time of loss of your brother.
Showing 1 - 68 of 68 results
Make a Donation
in William Henry's name
Memorial Events
for William Henry
How to support William's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor William Henry's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
