Warren "Bully" Henry

Warren Ornie Henry (“Bully”), age 84, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 21, 2023.  He was born October 19, 1938 to the late Luke and Eva Louis Henry.  He was the eldest of five children.

In a little white house south of Lonoke on Bayou Meto, Warren Henry was born.  His two aunts delivered him, and as they put him on a pair of cotton scales, he weighed around 13 pounds, and they said, “He’s big enough to be a bully.” But he was often tenderhearted. He loved animals and he loved people, and he did not like people making fun of others.

When Bully was about 11years old, his sister came home from school and told him how there was a family even poorer than themselves at school who had never tasted candy or soda.  “Let’s go, sis” and they grabbed a cotton sack and went to pickin’ cotton - The next morning, he gave the money to Shirley, and told her to give the money to those kids, so they, too, would know what a sweet treat was like.

Joyce first met Bully at the Rose City Skating Rink in 1955.  She was 14 and he was 17. He snuck through the window and went straight up to her and asked her name.  When she asked why, he said, “Because I’m going to marry you some day.”  Two years later, after writing letters while he was in the Air Force, they were wed. And off of Highway 236, he was the protector and caretaker of his family, his mama, and his siblings – the family resided there since the early 70’s.

Throughout his entire life, Bully wore many hats – and for a fellow who only had a 6th grade education, he was intelligent and resourceful.  Whatever he did, he worked hard at it – and put in a full day’s work. He was a farmer, a trucker, a welder, and a builder.  He was a pilot and also bought and sold planes. He was also a dump truck and back hoe operator.  He was a junk dealer who often said, “Your junk is my gold!”

He wore the hat of a country boy philosopher, of a story teller, of a comedian, and of the keeper of the family history.  Life was never boring being a part of the Henry family.   His zest for life was just as contagious as his laugh.

But the biggest hat he had ever worn here on earth was that of being a Christian.  In 1987, at the age of 48, Bully accepted Jesus Christ as his savior.  The preacher struggled baptizing him because he was such a big guy.  He often shared his testimony and was not ashamed of knowing the Lord.  Because he knew how he had been forgiven, he didn’t give up on folks, he made an effort to make amends with people whom he offended, and his hope was that all his family and friends would be saved.

His wife and children were his heart. Bully had a deep love for his brothers and sisters, and he was grateful for the time he got to spend with them. He and his brother Alfred had made many memories traveling around the US on their Harley’s.

Bully was known for his famous fish fries and his homemade ice-cream.  It was here where he would usually break out “Foxy Fanny” and the “Hambone.” He was a true entertainer and an amazing story teller.  He had a special relationship with many of his nieces and nephews. They loved and adored him. The many “Uncle Bully” memories and stories from youth to adulthood were often colorful with many laughs.

But now he is wearing the best hat of all - a crown – one that he has received in Heaven - and one day, he will cast it at His savior’s feet for a tribute to the one who created him, who saved him, who gave him purpose.

Bully didn’t understand why God kept him in that hospital bed at home for nearly three years when they gave him only ten days to live, for he was so ready to go on to be with the Lord.  But maybe it wasn’t for him – perhaps it was for us.  To see a man stripped of his strength and health and all of his hats – to show us what real courage is – perseverance – and faith – and his continuance of sharing his testimony.  During those first ten days, numerous people from near and far came to see him, and it gave him much joy to know how much he was loved.

So in honor of Bully Henry, put on a pair of overhauls, grab your family and friends, and go eat some Alaskan King Crab – tell a few jokes and a story, and close with sharing how much the Lord has done in your life – how your past is no longer who you are – but how you are a child of God. And if you are not saved, make the wise decision to let go of your pride, your mistakes, and your past and allow Jesus to be the Lord of your life.

Bully was a member of Faith Baptist church in Cabot. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joyce Henry of Cabot– son, Ricky Henry (Suzette) of Olive Branch, Mississippi – daughter, Rhonda Reynolds (Darrell) of Cabot– sister, Shirley Elmore (L.H.) of Cabot– and brother, Alfred Henry of Hot Springs.  Three grandchildren: Julie Wilbanks, Joshua Henry, and Hunter Reynolds and six great grandchildren.

Preceded in death, son, Russell Henry – sister, Carolyn Sisson- brother, Gerald Henry – and nephew, Shane Henry

Funeral Service will be Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Faith Missionary Baptist Church, 301 Bill Foster Memorial Hwy E, Cabot, Arkansas with burial following at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.  Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 10:00AM at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a donation to the American Diabetes Foundation