Chad Brian Henry

Chad Brian Henry was born at David Granberry Memorial Hospital in Naples, Texas, on February 21, 1969, and passed away in Plano, Texas, at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center, on May 14, 2026, at the age of 57.

Chad was born with a serious gastrointestinal condition that affected him his entire life. He did not let this medical condition keep him from achieving his life goals. He absolutely insisted on radiating positivity and was known by relatives and friends for having a sharp wit, an indelibly sunny disposition, and a laugh and perpetual smile that brought joy to everyone he encountered.

From the earliest age, Chad was an intellectually curious person who asked many questions, he was very artistic, absolutely loved animals, especially horses, and he was very comfortable in his own skin. Ever the individual with a truly singular personality, Chad left those he encountered with the feeling that they might never again meet anyone like him.

Despite his size and medical condition, Chad was a fierce, competitive athlete. He enjoyed playing soccer, hockey, and later played for the Allen High School basketball and tennis teams. He and his dad enjoyed attending sporting events, car races at the Texas Motor Speedway, drag races in Ennis, and various car shows in the area and the United States.

Chad attended Texas Christian University in Fort Worth in 1987, earning a Bachelor of Science in Finance in 1991, and later, worked on his Master of Education degree from Texas Women’s University. He spent the early part of his professional career teaching kids with special needs. He would choose this educational niche which speaks volumes about Chad’s outlook on life. Ever the champion of those less fortunate, he considered it a privilege to be able to make an impact on the lives of these special individuals.

Possessor of a tireless entrepreneurial spirit, Chad founded 1-2-3 Driving School in Plano in 2001. He personally taught scores of eager teenagers how to drive; hired all his staff; and grew the business over 25 years with great success. Regularly calling upon his dad’s business wisdom, Chad pioneered the concept of the “Online Driving School,” creating a digital curriculum for driving education that he successfully lobbied legislatures of five states to approve as a sanctioned method. As an instructor, Chad garnered great fulfillment in witnessing the “ah-hah” moment when his students “got it.” Chad was a specialist in teaching autistic teenagers who eventually received their license to drive.

Chad married Jessica Solomon in 2014, and the two were married for nine years. Ms. Solomon passed away in 2023.

Friends remember him as having the “soul of a teacher, an artist, an entrepreneur, and a horse whisperer — combined.” Indeed, Chad loved horses. He was given his first pony, Taffy, at the age of 3, by his grandfather. He would later own, raise, and show several cutting horses. Chad and his mother enjoyed attending the NCHA cutting horse futurity in Fort Worth each year.

A friend remembers Chad remarking, “When I’m on a horse, I don’t feel any pain. It’s just love. I feel nothing but love.”

Chad is survived by his father, Al Henry of Frisco, Texas; his mother, Carol Henry, of Aubrey, Texas; his sister and brother-in-law, Shelley and Coleman Crutchfield, of Frisco, Texas; and his niece and nephew Collin and Kayla Crutchfield. He was pre-deceased by his former wife, Jessica Solomon Henry, his stepmother Kathleen Henry; and his grandparents, Lowell and Rosa Henry; and A.T. and Rebecca Brian.

Chad’s family will hold a Celebration of Life to honor Chad’s memory at Stonebriar Funeral Home, 10375 Preston Road in Frisco, on June 27, 2026, at 1pm. On Sunday, June 28, Chad will be laid to rest at Springhill Cemetery, 284 Co Rd 4212, in Naples, Texas.

A visitation will be held at Stonebriar Funeral Home, 10375 Preston Rd., Frisco, Texas 75033, on June 27, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm with a Celebration of Life Funeral Service to immediately follow.

A committal service will be held at Springhill Cemetery, 284 Co Rd 4212, Naples, TX 75568, on June 28, 2026, at 1:00 pm.

The family has asked in lieu of flowers a donation be made in Chad's name to Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=AN8RABUJGGZZ6