William R Henry
October 22, 1920 ~ August 1, 2017
Colonel William Reice Henry, USA (Ret.), passed peacefully August 1, 2017 at his home in Vienna, Virginia at the age of 96. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 22, 1920, he learned tenacity and determination as a young paperboy at the North Philadelphia train station. A graduate of Northeast High School, he followed his father and uncle into railroad work as a rate clerk, and entered the United States Army in November of 1942. After a short stint in the Coastal Artillery, he brought his railroad experience, work ethic, and enthusiasm to the Army’s Transportation Corps, where he remained his entire career. Serving in the European Theatre, he assisted in the transport of troops and materiel for D-Day, and arrived in France on June 8th, 1944.
Bill married his childhood sweetheart Eleanor May Jann on June 12, 1943, and they had two children, William Reice Henry, Jr., and Joanne Elaine Henry Meroney. After Eleanor’s death in 1960, Bill married Doris Ann Poston on June 16, 1962. Bill and Doris had a son, Bruce Scott Henry, who passed away in 1965.
After the war’s end, Bill continued his military career, with posts at the Presidio, the Sacramento Signal Depot, Fort Eustis, the Pentagon, Washington DC, Vietnam, and Heidelberg, Germany. He helped develop containerized shipping in response to issues with pilferage of military cargoes, worked with the Minuteman missile program, and applied his dedication, attention to detail, and skilled tactfulness to managing the shipment of household goods for the Military District of Washington. His professionalism, character, and action earned him several commendations and decorations for his service.
He was a loving husband and father, with a strong Christian faith that carried him through personal losses. He loved to tell stories of his many encounters and adventures, from his childhood in Philadelphia to his wartime and other service duties. He enjoyed traveling worldwide, meeting new friends, and the company of his family and friends. He was a Mason, a Shriner, and a Sojourner.
Bill was predeceased by his wife Eleanor May Jann, his wife Doris Ann Poston, and his son Bruce Scott Henry, and is mourned by his son William Reice Henry, Jr. (Irene), and his daughter and devoted caregiver Joanne Elaine Henry Meroney.
A viewing will be held at Money and King Funeral Home on Saturday, August 5, from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm.
Internment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.
Bill married his childhood sweetheart Eleanor May Jann on June 12, 1943, and they had two children, William Reice Henry, Jr., and Joanne Elaine Henry Meroney. After Eleanor’s death in 1960, Bill married Doris Ann Poston on June 16, 1962. Bill and Doris had a son, Bruce Scott Henry, who passed away in 1965.
After the war’s end, Bill continued his military career, with posts at the Presidio, the Sacramento Signal Depot, Fort Eustis, the Pentagon, Washington DC, Vietnam, and Heidelberg, Germany. He helped develop containerized shipping in response to issues with pilferage of military cargoes, worked with the Minuteman missile program, and applied his dedication, attention to detail, and skilled tactfulness to managing the shipment of household goods for the Military District of Washington. His professionalism, character, and action earned him several commendations and decorations for his service.
He was a loving husband and father, with a strong Christian faith that carried him through personal losses. He loved to tell stories of his many encounters and adventures, from his childhood in Philadelphia to his wartime and other service duties. He enjoyed traveling worldwide, meeting new friends, and the company of his family and friends. He was a Mason, a Shriner, and a Sojourner.
Bill was predeceased by his wife Eleanor May Jann, his wife Doris Ann Poston, and his son Bruce Scott Henry, and is mourned by his son William Reice Henry, Jr. (Irene), and his daughter and devoted caregiver Joanne Elaine Henry Meroney.
A viewing will be held at Money and King Funeral Home on Saturday, August 5, from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm.
Internment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.
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A true gentleman, member of the Greatest Generation, and a distinguished Military Officer. He was my second dad when our families were stationed in Heidelberg Germany 1963-1964. It was a full time job trying to keep Bill and me out of trouble, but somehow he succeeded.
RIP. col. Henry. us
Thank you Bill and Jan. I tried to respond earlier but it didn’t work – user error LOL. I will always remember the trip to Lake Garda.
Joanne-
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. We have fond memories of you, your Dad and Step-mother sitting in front of us at VPC whenever they came into town. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Shirley and Beth Gourley
Thank you Beth and Shirley. I have fond memories of you two. I’ll always remember when we sang a song at church that was played at your father’s funeral and you saying if they sing Old Rugged Cross you were leaving.
So sorry to hear about Colonel Henry. Such a wonderful, kind man. The Smith’s have many fond memories of evening visits with Colonel and Mrs Henry at 2404 Newton Street. The thoughts and prayers of all the Smiths are with you.
Mark Smith
Thank you Mark. I tried to respond earlier but I don’t think it worked. User error LOL. All of you are very special to us. I have fond memories, too.
I have great memories of Col Henry, from a birthday party in old Arlington Farms apartments, I have to guess maybe 1951 or 1952, to visits in Dorothy and Mason Smith’s living room (he coached our now 48 year old to roll over for the first time in that living room) to a visit in our home in Colorado Springs on their way to his beloved San Diego. He was a good man with a great sense of humor; and, a dedicated soldier of indeed our greatest generation. I am better off for having know him. Thank you Col Henry, Mason Smith
Thank you Mason. I tried to send a response but I don’t think it went through so I will try again. We were living there in 1949 – I was born in May and Bruce in August. Your family is very special to us.