Larry J. Henry

Larry Joseph Henry, 74, passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025, at Augusta Health in Fishersville.

He was born on April 1, 1950, in Moline, Illinois to the late William Joseph and Wanda Lee Clevenger Henry.

Larry attended Sherrard High School in Illinois where he graduated in 1968, with many fond memories of his friends and “Tiger Alley”. While attending school he participated in basketball, football and theatre.

After high school, Larry served in the United States Air Force at Selma, Alabama where he worked as an aircraft mechanic. After the Air Force, he went on to graduate from Western Illinois University, while working for John Deere Plow and Planter, as well as serving as Union Steward for Local 434.

Larry devoted a significant portion of his career to the East Moline Correctional Center, where he served as a correctional officer. His skills earned him the rank of sergeant, and he was also recognized as a union steward of AFSCME. He was then hired by AFSCME as a union representative, relocating him to Oregon, Illinois. Larry proudly represented the rights of workers in the states of Illinois, Ohio, Maryland, California and Alaska. He then went on to be appointed as the Director of AFSCME for the Commonwealth of Virginia, making Stuarts Draft, Virginia his family’s new home.

He retired from AFSCME after thirty years of service. After retiring, Larry started a new adventure by opening a family-owned business, LB Hamm’s, in Troy, Virginia. The adventure didn’t stop there. He continued working as an over-the-road driver for Howell Motor Freight.

Larry married the love of his life, Beverly Davis, on June 26, 1971. While they were starting their family, Larry and Beverly lived in Reynolds, Illinois. During that time, he was an active member of the American Legion in Reynolds. On the weekends, he could be found on the ball field coaching softball or calling games as an ASA umpire. His love for sports was evident as he was a lifelong fan of the Chicago Bears and the St. Louis Cardinals. Larry and Beverly retired to Staunton, Virginia where he spent much of his time volunteering at his church, Calvary United Methodist Church, and for LOVE, INC.

In addition to his wife of fifty three years, he is survived by his daughters, Heather Henry Dillane of Mt. Morris, IL, Mandy Yancey (Kevin) of Waynesboro, VA, and Michelle Miller (Chris) of Staunton, VA; his son, Andrew Henry of Polo, Il; his brothers, Bob Henry, Don (Jeannie), Delbert (Debbie), and Patrick Henry (Raeann); his sister, Edie Brunat (Mark) his grandchildren, Amber Bullman (Justin), Catherine Lissa, Brendon Wilkins, Victoria and Avalyn Henry, Ella and Bronwyn Yancey, and Chase Miller; his great granddaughter, Kaiya Thomas; his extended family members, Dalton and Herron and Toren Thomas; numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved cousins, he was their rockstar.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Bill and John Henry; his sister, Wanda Jean Henry; and his grandsons, William Yancey and Cody Miller.

Services will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Rock Island Arsenal in Rock Island, Illinois.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105) or to the DAV - Disabled American Veterans (P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301).

Larry was a devoted family man who took great pride in his loved ones, cherishing the time spent with them. His brothers and sisters held a special place in his heart and were always significant in his life.

Throughout his years, Larry dedicated himself to serving his friends, family, and community.

Larry loved greatly, was loved greatly, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Arrangements are being handled by Henry Funeral Home.