Rev. James C. Henry

Rev. James C. Henry, age 91, of Kingsport, passed away Sunday morning, May 20, 2012 at Indian Path Medical Center in Kingsport. He was born in Clinchport, VA on June 22, 1920, the son of the late Charley and Nancy Lawson Henry.

Rev. Henry was a World War II Army veteran serving in the 37th Division in the South Pacific. He received several service ribbons and assisted as Chaplain. He graduated from Hiwassee College and attended East Tennessee State University and Emory University's School of Theology. Rev. Henry had worked at Tennessee Eastman until his call to the ministry. He was an active United Methodist minister from 1946-1984. After retirement, he served in a part-time pastoral capacity for 12 more years. His District appointments were: Big Stone Gap, Sweetwater later changed to Cleveland, Johnson City, Cleveland and Kingsport. The United Methodist Churches in the Kingsport District that he served were: St. Lukes, Virginia Avenue Bristol, Blountville, Ketron Memorial, Pactolus, Kingsport Methodist and Depews Chapel. The Churches in the Johnson City District were: Gray United Methodist, Fairview and Valley View. He served as Pastor Emeritus at Gray United Methodist Church from 2001 until his death.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Ruby Branson, Church Hill and granddaughter, Michele Bolas, Kingsport.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 71 years, Dorothy Light Henry, Kingsport; son, Jack Henry and wife, Judy, Kingsport; daughter, Anna Sue Watson and husband, Hugh, Harrogate, TN; brothers, Paul Henry and wife, Joann, Eddie Henry and wife, Shirley, Weber City, VA; grandchildren, Ty Watson, Gabriel Watson, Leigh Ann Zeller and husband, Mike, Rusty Henry and wife, Julie, Kim Bailey and husband, Philip, and Chris Bolas; great-grandchildren, Tyler and Shelby Watson, Ashlynn and Amberlee Zeller, Taylor and Tanner Henry, Christian and Kelsey Bailey.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, May 22, 2012, from 5-7pm at Gray United Methodist Church, Gray, TN. Funeral services will follow at 7pm in the church with Rev. Ed Cadle and Rev. Lloyd Jones officiating.

Graveside services will be conducted on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 11am in Oak Hill Memorial Park with military honors being provided by the American Legion Post # 3/265.

Pallbearers will be Ty Watson, Gabriel Watson, Rusty Henry, Mike Zeller, Chris Bolas and Philip Bailey.

Honorary Pallbearers will be area ministers.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gray United Methodist Church, 2108 Oak St., Johnson City, TN 37615 or to the charity of one's choice.