Gerald "Jerry" Henry

Gerald "Jerry" William Henry, 87, of Houston, TX was taken into God’s loving arms Feb. 5th, 2021. Jerry was born on Jun. 7th, 1933 in Lockport, NY to Percy William Henry and Ruth Henry-Lowe. As a child of the Great Depression, Jerry lived in many different states before settling in Vancouver, WA for the rest of his adolescence and young adulthood.

After graduating from Vancouver High School in 1952, Jerry enlisted in the US army and served during the Korean War.  After his discharge, Jerry went on to attend Clarke College, to pursue a career in dentistry. But as sometimes happens, life changed.

In 1961 Jerry left Vancouver for Harlingen, TX with his 2 little boys, Peter age 11 months and Tracey age 2 ½, in a Volkswagen bus, pulling a trailer with everything he owned.  He laughingly said he was probably the only man that ever stopped in Reno, Nevada for a washing machine (to wash diapers), instead of a slot machine.

On June 6, 1964 Jerry married the love of his life, his soulmate and best friend, Beth Henry.  Along with Beth, Jerry welcomed into his world his loving daughter Michelle, age 3. Together they raised their blended family. Through Beth Jerry also gained another whole family who embraced him and loved him.

In 1969 Jerry sold his interest in South Coast Surgical Supply and moved his family to Houston.  Jerry spent many years in the surgical supply field, owned and operated B&J Vending Co., was warehouse manager for Har-Con Corporation and was the Safety Director for NCI Building Systems during his last years of employment.

Jerry was a longtime member of St. James Lutheran Church where he sang in the choir and served on the property committee.  Jerry loved hunting, fishing, camping, dancing, trips to the casino, Sudoku, but most of all family gatherings and time spent with family and friends.  Jerry was kind, loving, and selfless. Jerry always put the needs of others before himself.  He was the best friend you could ever have.  He loved animals and they loved him.  He grieved deeply over the loss of his dear Sophie this past summer.

Jerry is preceded in death by his father Percy William Henry, his mother Ruth Lowe, and his daughter Michelle.  After the death of his daughter in 2006, Jerry became a dad again at 73 years of age when he and Beth adopted their granddaughter Noelle, a light in his life.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Beth Henry, sons Tracey Henry (Maria), Peter Henry, daughter/granddaughter Noelle Henry, grandchildren, Garret Henry, Lindsey Pearce, Haley Root, Heather Kenney, Hunter Henry, Lexi Henry, numerous great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and sisters-in-law, to mourn his loss.

A committal service will be held on March 2, at 2:15 at the Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038.