Andrew Fitch Henson Sr.

He was the devoted and loving husband of Diane Epperson Henson; and father of Andrew (Andy) Henson Jr., and Lindsay Elizabeth Henson, who passed over on November 7, 1976.

Born September 5, 1950, in Lynchburg, Fitch was a son of the late Gracie Vest Henson and Henry Otis Henson Sr. He was also preceded in death by a brother Henry Otis Henson Jr.; and a sister, Sarah Henson.

He was an Amherst County High School and CVCC graduate, a former Lynchburg City Policeman, Firefighter, and a United States Army veteran. He retired from Griffin Pipe, after 26 years of service, where he served as a union president.

Fitch is also survived by his special brother, and sister-in-law, Robert G. Epperson and Betty J. Epperson; nephew, Bob Epperson; nieces, Kelly and Pam; great-nieces, Casey, Jenna, and Shay; great-nephew, Johnathan; and great-great-nieces, Kayla, Jaden, Kiersten, and Kylie.

Fitch loved all of his family and friends. Much love and thank you to his devoted cousins (and sisters of the heart) June Williams and Judy Reynolds, Rose Riffe, and Dee Dee Henson, Sharon Vest, and Sheila Coleman; and faithful cousins, J.D. Vest, John and Michael Coleman; and De Molay brother, Howard Payne. His sister of the heart, Ellen Ramey Morcom; his Griffin Pipe buddies, Steve (Pat and Stephanie), Bluejean, and Jean, and Harry, thank you all for your love and support.

All our gratitude to Dr. David Haga and staff, Dr. Joseph Khoury, and staff, Dr. Donald Holcomb, and staff, Roberts Home Medical and Centra Hospice nurse, Vickie Bailey, and Amherst County EMT staff. Thank you Ed and Rose Gilbert. To Schmidt (Mike Smith), and Heather King, he loved you very much. Thanks to Robert and Bunny, and Matt and Barry for our car maintenance. And thanks to his Agudath Shalom buddies, Lila, Susan, Alan and Penny.

Fitch was a member of both Sandy Bottom Christian Church and Leawood Baptist Church, and affiliated with Agudath Shalom Synagogue. He was baptized at age 12. Through his life, like all of us, he had his moments, but he always asked the Lord for forgiveness. He had a good heart and a strong faith. He loved his Heavenly Father, his family and his friends.

He loved the Atlanta Braves, the San Francisco 49ers, and seldom missed Andy's martial arts competitions and shows that Andy's rock band performed in our area. He endowed us with the joy of yearly beach trips to Virginia Beach, Outer Banks, and our beloved Pawley's Island, and Myrtle Beach, SC. He always remembered fondly his fishing trips to Big Island with his uncle, Bill Williams, Bobby and Bob, and his many phone conversations with his Uncle Freddy and Aunt Cotton. His kindness of spirit allowed his mother-in-law, Louise W. Epperson, to always have a home with us.

Fitch was our rock and our protector. We will cherish him always and one day be together again as a whole family in paradise. Praises to God for blessing us with 40 years together.

Fitch requested there be no formal service. There will be a gathering for family and friends at the family plot in Meade Cemetery, on Saturday, November 13, 2010, at 1:00 p.m. for a home going.

"In the sweet by and by, we will meet on that beautiful shore."

"Across the years I will walk with you. In deep green forests- on shores of sand and when our time on Earth is through, in Heaven, too, you will have my hand."

To send a condolence to the family, please visit, www.whittenfuneralhome.com. Whitten Monelison Chapel, is assisting the family.