Thomas J Henley

Thomas J. Henley, age 89, left for his Heavenly home on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 after a period of declining health. Tom was born in Sullivan County, Tennessee on October 8, 1935. He was a son of the late James Cecil (J.C.) Henley and Hattie Mae Smith Henley. He grew up in the Orebank area of Kingsport, Tennessee. He graduated from Blountville High School in 1953. He obtained certification as an electrician, and began working at Eastman Chemical Company as an electrician. While working there, he met the love of his life, Mary “Ruth” Stevens. After being married a few years, they adopted a 19-month-old girl, who they named Sarah Katherine. They welcomed her into their home with hearts and arms wide open. Tom retired from Eastman Chemical Company in 1997. In his earlier years, he enjoyed bowling and bow hunting. In his later years, he enjoyed taking care of his grandson Philip and working outside around the home. He was a caring husband, father, and grandfather.

Tom was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Ruth Henley; parents, J.C. and Hattie Henley; brothers, James, Frank, Paul, and Joe Henley; and sisters, Leila Henley Weston, Irene Henley Johnson, and Lowanda Henley Moody. Those left to mourn the loss of Tom include his daughter Kathy Henley Birchfield (fiancé David Jones), grandson Philip Birchfield, and his brother Cecil Henley and wife Joyce.

A graveside service will be held at East Lawn Funeral Home, at the Garden of the Good Shepherd, on Monday, March 3rd, at 2:00 p.m. Those who wish to attend are asked to meet at 1:45 on the left side of the funeral home to line up.

Love Is A Choice

My dad, Thomas (Tom) J. Henley, left for his Heavenly home on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at the age of 89. He and my mom chose me as their daughter when I was 19 months old. I came to live with them underweight, in shoes too small, and uncomfortable around men. My dad was the first man to love me, giving me a sense of security. As I grew into a young lady, he would compliment me, telling me I was “as pretty as a speckled pup.” He gave me a sense of self-worth. He and I would go to the flea market on Saturdays and go out for lunch, often at Burger King. He loved those onion rings. I followed him around when he was doing stuff at home, being his ‘helper.’ We enjoyed watching old western shows on television on the weekends.

He worked at Eastman as an electrician for 20+ years to provide a good life for me; I know sacrifices were made. He paid for eight years of private Christian schooling, four years of college at Carson-Newman, and two years of Master’s degree tuition at ETSU. He retired afterward. I could always count on him to support me and help me, even as an adult. In the winter of 1996, I lived in an apartment in Johnson City. It snowed close to 12 inches. I had no electricity and no way to get home to Kingsport. I called my dad, and he came in the Bronco to take me home. He bought me three cars, and when something needed to be fixed, he went with me to get the work done. After I started working for the school system, I came home from my first day of work to find that one of my kitties had passed. I was heartbroken. I could not stop crying. I called my dad. He came and took her from my arms, hugged me, and buried her. When my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, he chose to take care of her at home until she breathed her last breath. He was not a perfect person, but God gave me the perfect dad. He could be stubborn, but he always chose to love me and take care of me. If we are fortunate to have a good home life, our parents’ love is woven into our psychological ‘security blanket.’ No matter what age we are when our parents pass, that loss of security is felt deep inside. It is no wonder that we feel like our world is unravelling. Watching a parent die, day by day, has an unforgettable impact on one’s soul.

Love is accepting responsibility for our loved ones, showing up in the good times and the bad. It is making sacrifices and putting those we love before ourselves. I am so grateful that God chose him and mom to be my parents and that dad chose to love me and take care of me. I have peace knowing that I chose to do the same for him.

Love is a choice.