Henry C. Schenk
SUFFOLK—Henry Clyde Schenk died Feb. 7, 2009, from complications due to Parkinson’s disease.
He was born Jan. 30, 1931, in Salisbury, N.C., into a family of nine boys. Henry loved sports.
Mr. Schenk played professional baseball for the Franklin Kildee team as a shortstop from 1949 to 1951.
His baseball career was interrupted by his service in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1956.
He served on the USS Shannon, spending most of his time in Portugal and Cuba, enjoying the sun and libations.
His love of sports continued throughout his life as he coached various teams from T-Ball to American Legion baseball. He passed along his love of sports to his sons, Ronnie and Jody, and rarely missed one of their games, come rain or shine.
He worked as an electrician at Union Camp Corporation (now International Paper) in Franklin for 36 Years. He retired in 1994.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Betty; his son, Ronnie and wife Donna of Suffolk; his daughter, Karen and husband Robert of Cary, N.C.; five grandchildren, Brian and wife Dawn, Arran, Matthew and wife Becky, Beth and Katie; as well as one great grandchild, Emma; and five brothers.
With his passing his family has lost a wonderful husband, father and brother. The world has lost a gentle soul.
A funeral was held Tuesday in Bethlehem Christian Church with the Rev. John Watson officiating.
Burial followed at Holly Lawn Cemetery with military honors.
Parr Funeral Home & Crematory, 3515 Robs Drive, Suffolk, was in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences can be made at www.parrfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the National Parkinson Foundation would be much appreciated by Henry.