Pat Reeves Henry

Pat Reeves Henry, 87, of Springdale died May 26, 2013, surrounded by the family he cultivated like a garden. A man who had his priorities straight, he is best described as a faithful servant-leader. Pat said, "the best thing I ever did was to marry Earlene Brown." She wisely took him on in 1950, when he said his "greatest ambition was to have a happy Christian home." That achievement was more than realized in Springdale with four daughters, Rev. Wendy Fenn and husband Doug (Dallas), Ginger and Rick Geyer (Austin), Linda and Joe Dickinson (Ft. Smith), Holly and Dave Meehan (Rogers). He was further blessed with 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Crying out for liberty, his parents Amma and Wendell named their noisy newborn Pat Henry, on March 14, 1926. The town of Conway, Arkansas raised the ever-curious Pat along with his brothers Joe, Bob and sister Mickie. Bob and wife Barbara, of Conway, and Billie Henry of Benton survive him, along with a bevy of nieces and nephews. Pat graduated from Conway High School and Hendrix College. He worked as a teacher and coach in Fordyce. He served the Jeff D. Brown Co., Inc. for 19 years, three as President, followed by Wilson Laurel Farms, Inc. in Springdale. He held leadership positions in several statewide poultry associations. At mid-life he took ownership of Pat Henry Chevy-Olds-Geo. In 1990 he was nominated by the Arkansas Automobile Dealers Association for the Time Magazine Dealer of the Year Award. Pat drew deep joy from the First United Methodist Church of Springdale, where he was a co-founder of the Builders Class, created youth programs, and served on several committees. Pat was President of the Springdale Chamber of Commence, from which he received the Outstanding Civic Service Award. He worked with the public schools and United Fund, was a Razorback booster, lifelong member of the Kiwanis Club, and honored by Jaycees for Distinguished Service and Boss of the Year. The family thanks the many people who gave Pat special care in his fifteen year struggle with dementia. Despite many losses and frustrations, his true spirit, which was humble, courteous and hilarious, remained intact. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 29th, in the chapel of First United Methodist Church, 5—7 p.m. Memorial service will be in the sanctuary at 11 a.m. Thursday. Gifts in honor of Pat may be sent to Circle of Life, 901 Jones Road, Springdale AR 72762 or to FUMC, Columbarium Garden, 206 West Johnson Ave., Springdale Ark. 72764. Well done, good and faithful servant. To sign the guestbook online please visit www.siscofuneral.com.