Richard Coyne Henry (Dickie) was born December 10, 1938 in a town known as Mt. Olive in King William County, Virginia. He peacefully departed this life on June 5, 2025, surrounded by his wife, children, step-children, and in the compassionate care of the hospice staff of Riverside Home Hospice.
He was born to the late Washington T. Henry Sr., known as WT, and Alberta Henry. He was blessed with one brother named after their father, Washington T. Henry Jr., known as “Wash” for short.
Richard joined Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, West Point, VA, on November 6th, 1949, where he remained a faithful servant as usher and trustee all his life, attending every Sunday until his health began to fail. He attended Mt. Olive Elementary School in King William County, VA, and graduated from King and Queen Central High School, class of 1959, in King and Queen County, VA. He pursued a higher education, graduating from Virginia State University with a degree in Mechanics. He began his work career at the Newport News Shipyard in June 1969 and remained there until his retirement in December 2000.
Throughout his tenure at the Newport News Shipyard, he earned several workmanship awards and plaques highlighting his craftsmanship and work dedication. Not being able to sit still, Richard also worked at GM in Williamsburg, Jake’s service station, Advance Auto, and the West Point Pharmacy, all in West Point, Va.
Richard was joined in marriage with Evelyn Elaine Jones on July 9, 1990, and was the father of two children from his former wife, Harold Henry of Richmond, VA, and Paula Henry of New Kent, VA. He was a devoted father to his children, step-children, step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren.
Richard was well-known and loved by his community. One would say he never met a stranger. He was an avid sports fan, especially of football, the Dallas Cowboys. At an early age, he developed a love for drag racing, where he attended many races throughout Virginia and Maryland. He enjoyed sharing his wisdom and knowledge of mechanics, science, and carpentry. He was a master of mechanics and car care, often giving advice and car maintenance tips to his family and friends. He loved driving around the town of West Point, visiting Yorktown Beach, and especially sitting in his carport enjoying the company of his family and friends, telling life stories.
In addition to his parents and grandparents, he is preceded in death by his nephew, Ricky Henry.
Richard is survived by his wife, Evelyn Elaine Henry, of 35 years; his two children, Harold Henry and Paula Henry; his brother, Washington T. Henry Jr (Wash); sister-in-law, Joyce Henry; nephews, Stacy Henry, Vincent Henry; niece, DelRio Henry; step-children, Michelle Wells, Shawn Jones, (Keesya), and Cathy Jones Walker ( Freddie); step-grandchildren, Keiyawna Taylor (Vance), Rochelle Jones, Marquis Jones, Leon Wells, Javon Jones, Everaud Green, Jacqueline Jones, Michael Green, Jordan Walker, and Caleb Walker; step-great-grandchildren, Jayla Jones, Aubrie Jones, and Jai’Monea Jones; his beloved pets, Poppie and Pouch, along with a host of other relatives and friends.
