Fred Craven Henry Sr., devoted husband, father, and friend, peacefully departed this earthly journey and took his heavenly flight on the evening of August 21, 2019 at the age of 80 years old. A Winston-Salem native, Fred was born on January 20, 1939 in Winston-Salem, NC to the late Felix and Venetia Henry.  He was preceded in death by his six treasured siblings: Makeba Henry, Alice Henry, Samuel Lee Henry, Augusta Henry, John C. Henry, and Barbara Henry Holman.

Fred graduated from Atkins High School in 1960, before going into military service and serving honorably as a member of the United States Army. Following his army service, Fred attended "T.C.," or Winston-Salem Teacher's College (now known as Winston-Salem State University) and remained an active participant in the Winston-Salem State University Class of 1964 Alumni Association throughout his life.  Fred went on to enjoy a fulfilling 25-year career as an employee of Stroh's Brewery before retiring in 1999. After retirement, Fred joined Winston Lake Family YMCA where he was an avid Silver Sneaker participant and "gym rat" – attending all the classes the YMCA offered – from Zumba to Line Dancing.

A devoted Christian, Fred was proud to acknowledge having received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.  He joined Union Bethel AME Church at a young age and continued his Christian service as a devoted member of Goler Metropolitan AME Zion Church. While at Goler, Fred served as President of both the Steward Board, and the Senior Usher Board.  He also served as treasurer of the Men's Booster Ministry. A 33 ^rd Degree Mason, Fred was an active member and an Honorary Past Potentate of Sethos Temple No. 170.

Fred valued community service and civic involvement, as evidenced by the active memberships he held in numerous organizations within the City. Fred was a proud member of: Red Rock Lodge No.809; Eureka Chapter No. 68 HRAM: Hiram of Tyre No. 1 RSM; Prelate Commander No. 10 KT; Carolina Priory No. 17; KYCH, King Solomon Consistory No. 64, Clara N. Hayes Court No. 5 LOCP; and Elizabeth Court No.7 OCC.

Though Fred has gone to exchange this earthly life for his heavenly reward, a host of loved ones remain behind to treasure a lifetime of rich, fond, and happy memories shared. He leaves to carry on his legacy: his loving wife of 53 years, Carol Pridgen Henry; three children, Fred Craven Henry Jr. of Winston-Salem, Freda Carol Henry of Kernersville, and Fernard Clarence Henry of High Point; two grandchildren, Cheyenne Christine Henry and Fred "Tre" Craven Covington Henry III; brothers, Felix Henry (Claudette,)  Charles Henry of Winston-Salem, NC; sisters, Willie Mae Henry Kirby and Beverly Henry McMillan (Calvin) of Winston- Salem, NC; sisters -in-law: Elaine Pridgen Carter of Richmond, VA and Saundra Pridgen Amos of Winston-Salem, NC ; brother-in-law, Isaac Pridgen (Pam) of Whiteville, NC; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

The family would like to thank, Wake Forest Baptist Hospital 9 ^th Floor Nursing staff and Trellis for all their services during Fred's illness.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00noon Thursday, August 29, 2019 at Goler Metropolitan AME Zion Church with Reverend Johnny Ruff officiating.  Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12noon on Thursday at the Church. The Masonic Rites service will be held at 6:00pm Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel.