Henry Locklear

A retired 1st SGT of the US Army, Henry was a veteran of WW2, the Korean and Vietnam wars. As a member of the US Navy’s Underwater Demolition Team 12, during the second world war, he participated in the Battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa for which he received the Silver Star for gallantry and the Bronze Star for valor. Subsequently, Henry went on to fight in Korea with the US Army’s 3rd Infantry Division as a tank commander. During his military career, spanning decades of service, he was awarded numerous other commendations, campaign and service medals.

Upon retirement from the US Army, Henry entered civil service as an instructor at the Ordnance Munitions School on Redstone Arsenal, AL. He worked in this capacity for ten years eventually retiring after forty years of federal service. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, and Scottish Rite Masonic Lodge.

Henry was preceded in death by his loving wife, Shirley G. Locklear, a son, SP4 Jimmy Locklear (US Army Vietnam), daughter, Patricia Knott, step daughter, Pamela Gilmore.

Henry is survived by sons, Jimmy Patrick Locklear (of the home) Toney, AL, William Henry Locklear (Jennifer) of New Market, AL, step son, Ted Gilmore of Colorado; daughters, Betty Barrow of North Carolina, Lisa Clifford of England, step daughter, Donna Bailes of Madison, AL. Mr. Locklear is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and 8 great great grandchildren, including a baby girl, Blair Emerson Chavis who was born on Henry’s 98th birthday.

The family would also like to give a special thank you to caregiver and friend, Shirley Douglas of Huntsville, AL and the VA Family Caregiver Assistance Team.

Services will be held in his honor at Valhalla Funeral Home and Memory Gardens—698 Winchester Road NE, Huntsville, AL 35811 with a visitation on Thursday, July 17th, 2025 from 5:00-8:00 PM and service the following day, Friday, July 18th, 2025 at 12:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wounded Warriors or to The National WWII Museum in New Orleans, LA.