At age seven months, Henry was adopted from an orphanage in North Louisiana by Bascom and Sadie Gremillion. He was raised with his sister, Gayle, in Cottonport, LA. His roots in this small farming community were an integral part of the man he became and the man we will always remember. From a young age to the time of his passing, Henry was a friend to all. He graduated from Cottonport High School and went on to attend LSU for both his undergraduate and dental education. In undergraduate, he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and was an avid and lifetime LSU fan. Henry’s biggest influence came during his days at LSU--his best friend and the love of his life, Mackey. They married in 1974 and lived in New Orleans, while Henry attended the LSU Health New Orleans School of Dentistry. After graduation, the couple moved to Cottonport where Henry began his general dentistry practice. While in Cottonport, their family grew, and they raised their four children (Erin, Alan, Scott, and Lindsay) in this peaceful and beloved small town. Henry treated patients from all walks of life. His service to his community went far beyond his practice. Henry was a member of the St. Mary’s School Board and a volunteer firefighter. He entered politics by successfully running for City Council and implementing community fluoridation and a positive move to address the disparity in representation. His many contributions were publicly recognized when he was named 1989 Cottonport Citizen of the Year. Throughout all of this, Henry became a continuing education junkie, quickly recognizing that dental school only provided an educational base on which it was his responsibility to build. His quest, desire, and dedication to life-long learning was originally to ensure he provided the best quality of care to his patients, but ultimately led to a two-year Craniofacial Pain Fellowship at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. The intent was to relocate his family for two years and then to return home to Cottonport. These two years, and the development of an eternal bond with the late Dr. Parker Mahan, served as a springboard for his passion in academics. Two years led to thirty-one – which was a blessing for him, his family, and for all of those who he treated, taught, mentored, and befriended. Rising through the academic ranks, Gremillion was named the Parker E. Mahan Endowed Professor of Orofacial Pain at the University of Florida and was a member of the dental staff of UF Health Shands Teaching Hospital. He served as the Director of the UFCD Parker Mahan Facial Pain Center and its fellowship program. Throughout his journey in academics, Henry earned countless distinguished honors. From numerous teacher of the year awards, to the Pierre Fauchard Academy Gold Medal Award (awarded to a US dentist who “made outstanding contributions to the progress and standing of the dental profession”), to being installed as the Chair of the Board of Directors of the American Dental Education Association, Henry remained the humble man from Cottonport. From local, state, national, and international lectures, he was always grounded and never forgot those who played a role in affording him these experiences. In 2008, Henry was offered the opportunity of a lifetime – a chance to return to his alma mater as the Dean of the LSU Health New Orleans School of Dentistry. This homecoming was an experience he cherished, and he brought along with him the Cottonport mindset. No person was too important, no program was too big, no position was too prestigious. The “New Dental School” in New Orleans was a team and a family working as a cohesive unit to provide the absolute best education alongside dental care that was second to none. Henry believed that the Health Sciences were an extension of life as he knew it, and everyone deserved the absolute best. He ensured that he personally knew every member of the Dental School. From the security guards, to the custodians, to the administrative staff, to the faculty, the students, and the Chancellor, Henry wanted to know everyone by name, and he cared about their life situations and their families. His genuine interest in all he knew is something that we can all learn from and attempt to emulate. Henry was the sixth dean of the school and the only alumnus to ever hold the position.
At age 66, Henry was blessed and forever grateful to connect and become part of his birth family. Like everyone who knew Henry, he was immediately loved and embraced as the eldest sibling. This was a short but incredibly meaningful part of his life. Henry was a selfless giver, always put others' needs before his own. He was a natural leader, a man of strong faith, and, as his parents taught him early in Cottonport, family was the ultimate gift. There are no words for the loss that is felt by his wife, Mackey, and his children Erin (Brad), Alan (Sarah), Scott (Wendy), and Lindsay (Andy). His family did not stop here, however. He was the proud and loving grandfather of 10 (Ben, JudyAnne, Adelyn, Costen, Cadence, Braxton, Maggie, Will, Avery, and Parker) and had a special, individual, and eternal connection with each of them in their own way. As has been said, the family knows that a heart that is broke is a heart that is loved. Many hearts are broken today because so many hearts have been touched and loved by Henry throughout the years. Henry’s love was ever present and will live on through his family. He will forever be a part of them, and they are comforted knowing that he is enjoying eternal life in the paradise that we call Heaven. Henry’s life was, without question, a life that was lived. He made the most of his opportunities, enjoyed the countless relationships, found ways to make ordinary events special, and always stayed true to his roots and his principles throughout the many adventures, experiences, challenges, and curve-balls that life threw him. He touched and influenced the lives of so many. Heaven is undoubtedly the reward that he deserves.
In light of the current pandemic, a private family Mass will be held for Henry in the near future. A memorial service will be held later this year – details to come, as a date has not been determined. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a contribution be made to Henry’s mission, passion, and professional purpose – the foundation and establishment of a Facial Pain Center at the LSU Health New Orleans School of Dentistry. Henry has made immense progress in making this dream become a reality, with major fundraising and developments. Donations and contributions in his name will not only help this dream become a reality, it will be a legacy he will forever shine down upon to ensure comprehensive training is available for students and exceptional treatment options are available for patients. Please make checks payable to the LSU Health New Orleans Foundation.
Mail to:
LSU Health New Orleans School of Dentistry, 1100 Florida Ave., Box 22, New Orleans, LA 70119.
By credit card, visit https://give.lsuhealthfoundation.org/Dentistry and leave designation as Dean Henry A. Gremillion Fund.
To view and sign the guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com
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