William "Bill" Joseph Henry, Jr.

Bill Henry loved life, but he was happy to go home to God early on August 30th at age 76. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Carolyn who died in 2013. Billy was also predeceased by his loving parents William J. and Evelyn T. Henry. He is survived by his sister, Janet, his brother, Art, his sisters-in-law Wanda Carter and Neoma Knox, and many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

Born and raised in Ft. Lee, New Jersey, Bill loved a challenge. He graduated from high school, and soon thereafter, enlisted in the Air Force. In 1969, he headed out to Texas for basic training. Not long thereafter, Bill was on his way to Vietnam where he honorably served his Country. He returned to the US and reported to Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City where he met "the love of his life." It was not long thereafter that he married Carolyn. He and Carolyn enjoyed a 20 year career in the Air Force, living in Texas, Colorado, Alaska, Mississippi, and Oklahoma. Bill retired in 1987 as a Master Sergeant. Twice, he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal.

After he retired in Oklahoma, he attended the University of Central Oklahoma making good use of his GI Bill benefits and graduated with a Bachelor of Science. He worked for the state of Oklahoma until the injuries that he sustained in Vietnam forced him to retire again.

Billy lived a good life, but he never stopped loving and missing Carolyn, and his life was made better by his wonderful team of caregivers who helped him in his final years. Without Courtney, Mary and many others, his life and the lives of his beloved chihuahuas (Toby and Timmy) would not have been as pleasant and comfortable. The caregivers' patience, skill, and love carried him though to his final journey home to God.

Bill will greet Saint Peter at the "Pearly Gates," with his quirky sense of humor and his "Jersey" accent, but all the while his eyes will be searching for his Carolyn so that they can be together again.

Heaven is now a brighter and happier place.

Graveside services for Bill will be held at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Oklahoma City on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.