Mr. Ralph Eugene Henry, age 88, of Haywood Valley, passed away Wednesday March 12, 2014 at his residence.

Mr. Ralph Henry was born May 10, 1925, in Walker County, GA, son of the late George and Mattie Henry. He was a member of the South Commerce Street Church of Christ.  He was a member of the Cattleman’s Association, American Chestnut Foundation, GA Pork Growers Association, Paper Makers Union and was instrumental in establishing the largest backcross American chestnut test orchard in the state of Georgia.  He was a veteran of the United States Army, having served in WWII.  Mr. Henry was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Frances Baker Henry, son Terry Wayne Henry, and daughters-in-law, Bobbie Dial, Sheila Henry and 1 great great granddaughter.

Mr. Henry is survived by sons James Dial, Steve Henry (Joan), daughters, Brenda Kinsey (Earl), Jane Hawkins (Bob), Faye Henry, Nancy Hester (Tim), Molly  Zablan (Butch), brothers Edward and Ray Henry, 14 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday March 15, 2014 at 11 am at the Mason Funeral Home chapel.  Ministers Tommy Leslie, Tommy O’Kelley and Andrew Campbell officiating with interment to follow in Greenhill Memory Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Randy Dial, Doug Kinsey, Graham Hester, Trae Zablan, Rick Topham and Alan Campbell.  Honorary pallbearers will be the men of South Commerce Church of Christ, Randy Toles, Miles Gifford and Josh Tudor.

Mr. Henry will be in state at  Mason Funeral Home from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Friday, March 14, 2014.

Flowers are appreciated or contributions can be made to either the GA Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation (www.acf.org) or the Gospel Broadcasting Network.

Mason Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Mr. Ralph Eugene Henry who passed away Wednesday.