“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” — Abraham Lincoln
On Friday, June 22, 2018, our loving, devoted father and papaw, Charles Edward Henson, 75, of Elizabethton, went home to meet his Lord and Savior from the Johnson City Medical Center with his family by his side, following a brief illness. Charles was born in Elizabethton to the late John and Ira Vines Henson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife and love of his life, Peggy Trivette Henson, in 2009; a brother, Harrell Henson; and a sister, Geraldine Henson Stewart.
Charles retired from the twisting unit at North American Rayon Corporation and was a member of Piney Grove Church of Christ in the Poga Community of Butler, but attended First Christian Church of Elizabethton. Charles was affectionately known as the “lawn mower man” and was renowned for his ability to repair small engine machinery. He enjoyed browsing at the flea market and traveling, but his greatest joy was his family. Charles was, before anything, a devoted family man.
Those left to cherish his many special memories include his daughter, Shelia Irvine and husband Jeff of Johnson City; his very special grandson, Justin Loudermilk of Johnson City; two sisters, Marquitta Greene and husband J.M. of Flat Springs, N.C., and Janice Bernita Grindstaff and husband Luther of Elizabethton; a brother-in-law, Richard Brush of Morristown; a sister-in-law, Donnis Trivette of Butler; a half sister, Willa Jean Ward; and several nieces and nephews, Lisa Brush, Heather Hawkins and husband John, Marsha Roark, April Tunyavongs, Bill Ward, Mike Greene, Todd Trivette, Eric Trivette, Eddie Grindstaff and John Grindstaff. Also, his beloved cat “Squeaky” and his chosen family, Judy Ashworth, Brenda Persinger, Steve Hilman, Floyd and Oma Lee Lambert.
A service to honor the life of Charles Edward Henson was conducted at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, June 24, in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, with Pastor Steve Hilman and Mr. Dean Estep, minister, officiating. Music was provided by Rhodyjane Meadows. The family received friends in the funeral home chapel from 4 until 5:30 p.m. Sunday, prior to the service. Friends may call at the residence of his daughter, 2138 Carroll Creek Road, Johnson City, Tenn., at other times. The graveside service was conducted at 2 p.m. Monday, June 25, at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers were John Hawkins, Jim Dobbins, Frank Quintero, Donivan Grindstaff and Bill Ward. Honorary pallbearers were Richard Brush, Floyd Lambert, Luther Grindstaff and J.M. Greene. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to the American Cancer Society, 861 Weisgarber Road, Knoxville, TN 37909. Online condolences may be shared with the family on our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com
Mr. Henson and his family are in the care of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton. Office: (423) 542-2232. Service Information Line: (423) 543-4917.