Remembering Tony Henry

Tony Henry
Tony Henry

• Editor's note — This story will be published in the Tuesday edition of the News-Times •

The community is sending out condolences and mourning the loss of El Dorado City Council Member Tony Henry, who died unexpectedly early Saturday morning at the age of 58.

Many described Henry as a dedicated public servant who cared about the community and volunteered his time, money and energy for a number of causes and issues to help improve the quality of life for the people of El Dorado.

By several accounts, Henry was engaged in one of his favorite pastimes — supporting the El Dorado Wildcats — Friday before taking ill.

Longtime friend and fellow Ward 3 (Position 2) city Council Member Willie McGhee said he spent time with Henry at the game, saying the pair had opted to sit on the visitors’ (east) side during the El Dorado-Camden Fairview matchup because the area was less crowded.

“It was halftime, and he was complaining about how hot it was. We both were talking about how it was, and Tony said he was going to go sit in the car and turn on the air conditioner and listen to the rest of the game on the radio,” McGhee said.

They were to have met for breakfast the following morning to discuss an appointment for tuxedo fittings Tuesday for the upcoming wedding of Henry’s brother, Ronnie Davis.

“We had an appointment for Tuesday. He has a bigger appointment now,” McGhee said with emotion creeping up in his voice. “It’s a blow to the community. This brother is truly going to be missed.”

Henry recently experienced health issues and underwent medical procedures to address them.

However, he did not let those issues stop him from tending to the community, McGhee said.

“This man would be hurting and in pain, but he was still trying to help people. At the last city council meeting (Aug. 23), Tony wasn’t feeling good, but he was there,” he said.

Henry was first elected to the council during a special election in 2009 to fill a vacancy that was left when Council Member Jimmy Reed died.

Ward 3 voters chose Henry to succeed Reed, another prominent community leader who was the first African American to serve on the El Dorado School Board.

Henry would go on to run for mayor of El Dorado, and he returned to the Ward 3, Position 2 seat when former city Council Member Kensel Spivey resigned in June because she was getting married and moving to another ward.

Henry had already been elected to the post in the May 22 preferential primaries, and he was sworn in weeks later to fill Spivey’s unexpired term.

He was to have been sworn in again on Jan. 1 to begin his elected term.

Spivey, who had been a longtime neighbor of Henry’s before she moved to another ward, remembered him not only as a neighbor, but also a mentor, leader and friend who encouraged her to run for city council when Henry announced that he intended to run for mayor in 2013.

“I was absolutely devastated to hear of his untimely passing,” Spivey said. “He was a pillar of community service and leadership. It’s a blow to the community. He will truly be missed.”

Janis Van Hook, president of Keep El Dorado Beautiful, echoed Spivey’s sentiments.

Henry was a founder of the organization, which was launched in 2012.

Van Hook said Henry asked her to participate in the effort prior to introducing the idea to the city council.

“I can’t put into words what this has done to an entire city. I appreciate what he’s done for KEB. He has been here from day one. Life goes on, but we’re at a standstill right now,” Van Hook said.

Henry worked with Spivey, McGhee and KEB to coordinate community cleanups for Ward 3, and he convinced his former employer, Clean Harbors, to participate.

Earlier this year, Henry retired as warehouse supervisor from Clean Harbors.

Fellow Council Member Judy Ward said she enjoyed serving on the council with Henry.

“I am so sad about the passing of Mr. Henry. He was a fine council member and a friend. He will be missed,” Ward said.

Mayor Frank Hash said he visited with Henry’s family — wife Vicky, sons Antonio and Vicordre, and daughter, Tonea — Sunday afternoon and preliminarily offered the use of the El Dorado Municipal Auditorium for Henry’s funeral service, which will be arranged by Andrews Funeral Home.

Hash said he will consult with the Arkansas Municipal League about the vacancy for the Ward 3, Position 2 seat and then convene the full council to discuss options to fill the position.

Tia Lyons may be contacted at 870-862-6611 or tlyons@ eldoradonews .com.

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