Obituaries

John Forrest Henry Jr.

Photo of John Forrest Henry Jr.
JOHN FORREST HENRY JR., died Feb. 8, 2013, in Little Rock. He was born Sept. 8, 1917 in Pottsville, Ark. to John Forrest Henry and Ola Belle Boggess. His mother died in 1931 and his father remarried Margaret Jane Brooks. After completing high school in Pottsville, he enrolled at Arkansas Tech in 1936 and graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1940. He briefly became a teacher in Pottsville before entering The University of Arkansas Medical School. He worked at Baptist Hospital where he met his wife to be, Anne Lindsey. They married on June 26, 1943, and enjoyed almost 60 years together before she died in 2003. His life was never the same without her. He served in the Navy Medical Corps and returned to LR and joined Dr.KW Cosgrove. He precepted and was Board Certified in Eye Ear Nose and Throat but later restricted his medical practice to Ophthalmology. He was a progressive physician and surgeon, introducing corneal transplantation to Arkansas in 1947 and pioneering local lens implant technology. He was a participant in the rural treatment clinics to eradicate trachoma and a founder of the local Eye Bank. He retired from private practice in 1993. He was active in community events and was a charter member and lifelong leader of Grace Presbyterian Church. He was a pillar of that community, filling every role except minister and choir director. He served as a role model for adults and teens alike. He liked to travel and fish for trout, which he ate. His cookouts were legendary. He was a wonderful supportive father. His siblings are Bill (Jo) of St. Paul, MN, Emily Oates of Morrilton and Jane Phillips (Johnny) of Tulsa. He is predeceased by his daughter Lindsey Anne. He is survived by 4 children and their families, Bob (June) residing in Portland, OR Charles (Sarah), Brad (Cathy) and Elizabeth Garland (Greg) all of Little Rock as well as a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m., Monday, Feb. 11, 2013, at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home 13801 Chenal Parkway Little Rock, (501) 224-8300. Funeral service will be held at 12 on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013, at Grace Presbyterian Church. A gathering of family and friends will follow the memorial service at the church. Memorials may be made to Grace Presbyterian Church or Arkansas Hospice, 14 Parkstone Circle, Little Rock. Special thanks to all his caregivers especially Lana and Barbara who were so supportive. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.

Published February 10, 2013

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