Obituary of Charles VanKirk Henry, Jr.

Charles VanKirk Henry, Jr.

Charles VanKirk Henry, Jr., 85, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 8^th, 2020 in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Known as Chuck, he was born January 9^th, 1935 in Washington, Pennsylvania to the late Ruth Gray Henry and Charles VanKirk Henry. Chuck graduated from Washington High School. He completed his BA at Pennsylvania State University, where he was a member of the Penn State Glee Club and Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. He received his AMP from Harvard University in 1978.

In 1960, he married the great love of his life, Gwenfred Rusk Heinle of Washington, PA, whom he cherished until the end of his life.

He entered the United States Army in 1956, entered the reserves and in 1962 was to Fort Bragg during the Berlin crisis. He had a long and distinguished career in the cement industry, working for two of the industries finest companies. First working for Lehigh Cement Co as a Sales Representative in Upstate New York followed by subsequent roles that led him to the position of Regional Vice President in Indianapolis, Indiana. His successful career culminated in Birmingham, Alabama as President of National Cement Company.

Chuck and Gwen Henry moved to Daufuskie Island, South Carolina in 1993. Chuck was dedicated to the island in both word and deed. He was chairman of the Daufuskie Island Fire Commissioners and a volunteer fire fighter; president of the Daufuskie Island Leadership Committee; a member of the Daufuskie Island Council, Haig Point Board, and a founding member of the Daufuskie Island Conservancy. As a member of Providence Presbyterian Church, he used his resounding voice to sing the great hymns with the church choir.

An adventurous traveler, Chuck visited all seven continents with his beloved wife, Gwen. He was a devoted husband, a father who provided guidance and love, a loyal friend, and a man who never met a stranger. His life was marked by integrity, enthusiasm, curiosity, and commitment. His booming “Hello!” and full-smile greeting revealed the heart of this man. He will be missed by many. He is survived by his wife, Gwen; his sons Charles “Kirk” Henry III (Anna) of Charlotte, N.C, Patrick Henry (Patti) of Birmingham, Ala., and Michael Henry (Michelle) of Miami, Fla.; his seven grandchildren Kirk Henry, Sofia Henry, Meagan Rock, Thomas Henry, Rusk Henry, Stella Henry, and Sadie Henry; his great granddaughter, Bridgette Rock; his brother and sister in law, Fritz and Karen Heinle, his niece Janice Bilger, and his nephews Erik Heinle, Court Heinle, Colin Heinle, and Matthew Heinle. He is pre-deceased by his parents; his brother, Joseph Henry; and his infant daughter.

Celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in his name to the charity of your choice.