Henry was born In Elizabethtown, North Carolina on March 15, 1941 to parents Charles and Christian Kelly.
After High School, Henry went on to honorably serve in the United States Air Force where he worked on flight lines around the world including the Vietnam War, until he got his college degree and moved into an administrative position. Henry’s last rank and job before retiring from the Air Force after 20 years was MSGT as medical materials manager for Williams AFB Hospital in Chandler, AZ.
After the military, Henry went on to work for the Arizona Department of Transportation as a Central Warehouse Manager for another 20 years. Along for much of the ride was his soul mate, Cynthia Burlison, who he actually met while he was on a blind date with someone else. After the blind date, he called Cynthia and they remained devoted to each other for the next 56 years.
During his free time and after two retirements, Henry enjoyed cutting hair at Mr. Bush’s Barber Shop and Sublett’s Barber Shop. It was never about the money or cutting hair for him, he just really enjoyed being a part of the community.
An avid hunter, fisherman, and golfer, Henry loved being outdoors and lived life to the fullest. He was a long time member of Desert Mashie Golf Club and has numerous trophies and two hole-in-ones to show for it. What comes with that is a lot of stories, many of them about how he was notoriously frugal. Henry was also a member of the American Legion, where everyone knew him as “Kelly”.
Henry’s legacy will be that he was always kind and willing to help others, which is something that he notably passed on to his son Chuck.
His family called him “Buddy” and he was devoted to them, even his in-laws. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia; his son Chuck (Beth); his grandchildren Jaclyn, Jake and Jackson, Jake and Jackson’s parents Leslie and Paul, his sisters Thalia and Mary, numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind numerous friends in North Carolina, Texas and here in Arizona.
Henry was preceded in death by his parents, son Patrick and his sister Frances.
The family appreciates all of the kind gestures and support during this difficult time but due to the ongoing COVID pandemic, services are for the immediate family only. Thank you for understanding.
