03.10.06
Lucas’s Words to Pops – March 8, 2005
Pops died on Wednesday March 2, 2005. Lucas was here on Tuesday March 1 and he saw Pops because pops had it recorded in his “book”. I didn’t see Lucas or if I did I don’t remember it. But when Pops died my brother, his wife, their three sons and wives wanted to come to Alabama for the memorial service. I asked Lucas to speak and try to relate something to his cousins that he had learned from Pops because Lucas was the grandchild that was the closest to Pops over the last few years. He wrote and spoke these words at Pops’ memorial. He was nervous I remember his voice quivering…. as mine would have when I have to speak in front of a group…. but Lucas did well and I was prould of him. Several people commented to me that he did a good job.
No One knows the ultimate meaning of Life.
But for those who are willing to believe in thier dreams, And in themselves
Life is a precious gift, in which anything is possible.
Pops lived life on his terms: he was a man of his own time.
William Jay Henry was born in Logantown Colorado on December 30, 1914 of parents William John Henry and Bertha Margaret Henry. Most of his formative years were spent at his father’s quarters in Fort McPherson Georgia. He would often tell me how he and his dad made their own beer during prohibition and he also revealed that in his younger years the real reason he played trumpet at the “west end” club in Atlanta, …free beer. Bill was an army man, it was in his blood. After graduating West Point in 1939 he eventually became a Colonel and a WWII veteran. Pops told me his greatest achievement came when he was able to win over Florence B. Carper, they married Septenber 4, 1943. Bill and Florence had somewhat of a fairytale lifestyle. They worked hard to provide for and discipline their children, however it was equally important to enjoy life in the moment. Pops loved to entertain his family and friends, while in Hawaii pops purchased the “Farida”, a 37 foot sailing ketch it was ” the fairest of them all” according to Pops. In his memoirs he describes this period of time as the climax of a lifetime. It inspires me to picture pops as a master of the seas, letting his worries sail away in the wind. After he retired in 1967 they moved to Callao, Virginia where they lived and entertained quite comfortably. They moved to Motgomery in 1984 and unfortunately Florence’s health deteriorated for many years before her death in 1986. Pops hid his pain in isloation as he fought to fulfill Florence’s last wishes. The passion Florence and Bill had for each other lives on today through Butch and Judi. I am privalged to have spent time with my grandad throughout my life, every Thanksgiving, every Christmas, Easter and my favorite the annual summer vacations to Florida. These past few years, I developed a new appreciation for pops, and how special our relationship really was. We would share drinks and stories in a way that true friends do, despite our age difference. I began to see the person Florence must have fallen in love with, as he revealed to me his true admiratin for her. His dry humor and care free attitude were complemented by an intellegence that he used to challenge those around him. William Jay Henry lived his life with grace and honor right up to his end. On March 2 2005, the aniverssary of Florence’s birthday, Pops knew his time had come as he said his final goodbye. Physically he is no longer here. However, pops’ spirit for life will forever live within me.
I often think of Pops, YaYa and Lucas spending time together these days….. i remember on Dec 30 this past year hoping they would be together in celebration of Pops’ birthday and I spoke out loud to Lucas and reminded him he should take Logan over for the celebration…. as Pops and YaYa would enjoy knowing Logan and they could all sing “the spirit in the sky” song really loud so I could hear it.
I miss you all.. Pops, mom,Frank and Lucas. I’m afraid I accepted Pops’ and YaYa deaths to easily and that may have contirbuted to Lucas’ suicide. I wish I could speak to him again in this life and persude him to not give up on himself … i love you always ….i miss you so much… mom.
Jacob Kirkland said,
March 15, 2006 at 2:27 pm
He was extremely proud to be delievering the Eulogy that day. I remember when he called me to tell me he was doing that. I was very proud of him. That day for some reason sticks out so well to me. I remember pulling up to the house and Lucas and Jermiah (I think that was his name?) (his cousin from Cali that sings) were getting in the truck to drive to the church. We had all of Pops stuff to put out in the lobby for everyone to remember him by. The relationship between those two was a special one for sure.
Lucas
All your friends love you and miss you. As you said to Pops that day, physically you may not be here, but your spirit will live forever in every life you touched.
Valerie Hughen said,
March 16, 2006 at 3:13 pm
I was at Pop’s Memorial Service that day, and I was so proud of the job that Lucas did. I did not realize how close he and Pop’s were until I heard the Eulogoy- his words were not only delivered with ease, he also helped in letting people like myself, who didn’t know Pops very well, know what kind of man he was. I think Lucas was the kind of person that would make anybody seem and feel special when he talked about them, but I know that Pops was very special to him, and vice versa.
I am so lucky to have known Lucas and to have met Pops. Thank you for the opportunity to know and love your family.
Valerie