Charles Henley Jr.

Lansing

After giving thanks for his 87+ years on this earth, Charles Henley, Jr. died peacefully at home In Lansing, Michigan on Thanksgiving, November 24, 2011, with his son Mike caring for him. Chuck is now joyfully reunited with his wife and love of his life, Martha Sue (Taylor) Henley and their infant daughter Theresa. Chuck was born October 30, 1924, in Bradford, TN to Charlie Columbus and Florence Lalah (Jones) Henley, and shared his parents’ love, devotion, and farm life with his brothers John (Eula B) and Raymond (Anna), and sister Margaret (Jesse) Sellers. In 1943, Chuck met the Taylor family (also of Bradford TN) and their adorable ten year old daughter Sue. Little did he know at the time their lives would be intertwined and impact generations to come. Sue moved to Lansing, MI with her family when she was twelve, and years later reunited with Chuck who had moved to Lansing in search of employment. Their renewed friendship blossomed and on August 4, 1951, Sue and Chuck were married. They were blessed with nearly 59 years of marriage, and three additional children, Steven (Amy) Henley of Las Vegas, NV; Michael (Bernadine) Henley of Holt, MI; and Paula (Wayne) Berry of St. Johns, MI; along with nine grandchildren whom he adored: Tina (Clay) Baker, Tara (Jeff) Dillon, Liza, and Adam Henley of Las Vegas; David and Sunnie Henley of Holt; Kira (Jordan) Burnie of Clarksville; Garrett Berry of Chapel Hill, NC; and Colton Berry of St. Johns. Chuck also was the proud great grandfather of Jackson Baker of Las Vegas. While family defined Chuck and put the twinkle in his eye, he and Sue enjoyed the fellowship of their faith and were long time members of Holmes Road Church of Christ. Chuck was also fiercely loyal to his ‘second’ family – the Lansing Fire Fighters he served with. Not only did Chuck put his life and health on the line for his community, he built a substantial reputation – and repertoire – in every fire houses’ kitchen. His brethren went to great effort to swap station duties so that they could be assured Chuck remained in the kitchen when not in the field. Chuck was also known for his ability to fix just about everything. He also loved to hunt and fish, listen to country music, and hit the open road – where he earned additional income for his family as a truck driver. Chuck was never one to complain or get mad, and was known for his sweet smile and gentle laugh. Chucks life is epitomized by the following remarkable quote by Lisa Rogers: A man's worth is measured by how he parents his children. What he gives them, what he keeps away from them, the lessons he teaches and the lessons he allows them to learn on their own. When talking with his grandson in law, Chuck was asked if he would impart some wisdom and share his secret in life. He grinned, and in true Chuck fashion, said “Your kids never get too old to tell them you love them.” Chuck will be greatly missed and cherished by all who were touched by his caring ways. A funeral service will be held for Chuck on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 12pm at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 900 East Michigan Avenue, Lansing, MI 48912. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 2nd from 6-8 pm and one hour prior the service on Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Chuck’s honor to the Lansing Fireman’s Benefits Association, 120 East Shiawassee Street, Lansing, MI 48933. Online condolences may be made at www.grlansing.com