I remember Herman from 8th grade wrestling at John Deere Jr. High. After practice we would walk home together as his place was along the way to mine. I was a skinny runt, less than 100 lbs. while Herman was a few weight classes above me and far from a runt. On one occasion an acquaintance of his came along with us. He started to give me a hard time. As we would say then, giving me the business or in today’s term, talking smack. I didn’t say or do much, and he wouldn’t let up. At one point Herman stopped walking and got into his friend’s face, nose to nose. I don’t know or remember what all was said, but after that the friend didn’t say a word, and I never saw him again.
Herman, I never forgot that moment. Just had to tell this story.
Herman "Billy" McHenry Jr., 64, of Bethalto, Ill., formerly of Rock Island, died at his home on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012.
Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Monday and services at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at Sullivan-Phillips Mortuary, East Moline. The Rev. Tyson Parks will officiate. Burial is at the Rock Island National Cemetery.
Billy was born Sept. 29, 1947, in Forest City, Ark., to Herman Sr. and Gloria (Howard) McHenry. He graduated from Moline Senior High School Class of 1965. He was in the Army and served during the Vietnam War. He married Connie (Logsdon) McHenry.
He had various jobs throughout his lifetime. He was a wrestler, loved to fish and socialize. He was a good cook and enjoyed watching movies.
He is survived by his mother, Gloria Estridge, Rock Island; wife, Connie, Bethalto; sons, Tisean McHenry, Davenport, Alphon (Jackie) Carrell, Detroit, Mich., Brock Jones, Davenport, Sean (Kia) Fallon, El Paso, Texas, John "Jr" (Tuosonda) Adams, Bethalto; daughters, Yakanez "Connie" (Chris) Carr, Davenport, Bengie Tyson, Rock Island, Angie (Daniel) Dunning, Alton, Ill.; 22 grandchildren; sister, Barbara (Milo) McCowan, Rock Island; brothers, Dwight McHenry, Rock Island, and Emmett (Singleton) McHenry, Great Falls, Va. He was preceded in death by his father, brother and son.
I also have memories of Herman . Where did you live then ? I didn't know that he was from the Maple Grove area . He and I were co captains of the Moline wrestling team . He placed third in the state. If an oponent got too nasty with him he would head butt them . A gutsy move with the referee watching . By then the ref. let it go figuring that they dederved it . As the school was conserving money, Herman and I shared the same bed at that State tournament --a little odd . The coaches all had their own rooms tho! He was a hell of a guy and well respected by all of us . .
I am saddend to learn of so many of the team are dead now .A much larger percent [30ish] than the class as a whole .
James Matson
I remember Herman from 8th grade wrestling at John Deere Jr. High. After practice we would walk home together as his place was along the way to mine. I was a skinny runt, less than 100 lbs. while Herman was a few weight classes above me and far from a runt. On one occasion an acquaintance of his came along with us. He started to give me a hard time. As we would say then, giving me the business or in today’s term, talking smack. I didn’t say or do much, and he wouldn’t let up. At one point Herman stopped walking and got into his friend’s face, nose to nose. I don’t know or remember what all was said, but after that the friend didn’t say a word, and I never saw him again.
Herman, I never forgot that moment. Just had to tell this story.
Suzee Carson (Branch)
thank you, that was truly beautifully put. i felt like i was there. and i, too, see herman as clear as day. how DOES that work?
it's a good thing.
love
suzee
Linda L. Beardslee (Van Landuyt)
Herman "Billy" McHenry Jr., 64, of Bethalto, Ill., formerly of Rock Island, died at his home on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012.
Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Monday and services at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at Sullivan-Phillips Mortuary, East Moline. The Rev. Tyson Parks will officiate. Burial is at the Rock Island National Cemetery.
Billy was born Sept. 29, 1947, in Forest City, Ark., to Herman Sr. and Gloria (Howard) McHenry. He graduated from Moline Senior High School Class of 1965. He was in the Army and served during the Vietnam War. He married Connie (Logsdon) McHenry.
He had various jobs throughout his lifetime. He was a wrestler, loved to fish and socialize. He was a good cook and enjoyed watching movies.
He is survived by his mother, Gloria Estridge, Rock Island; wife, Connie, Bethalto; sons, Tisean McHenry, Davenport, Alphon (Jackie) Carrell, Detroit, Mich., Brock Jones, Davenport, Sean (Kia) Fallon, El Paso, Texas, John "Jr" (Tuosonda) Adams, Bethalto; daughters, Yakanez "Connie" (Chris) Carr, Davenport, Bengie Tyson, Rock Island, Angie (Daniel) Dunning, Alton, Ill.; 22 grandchildren; sister, Barbara (Milo) McCowan, Rock Island; brothers, Dwight McHenry, Rock Island, and Emmett (Singleton) McHenry, Great Falls, Va. He was preceded in death by his father, brother and son.
Linda L. Beardslee (Van Landuyt)
May he Rest in Peace.
William Gipson
Hi Jim :
I also have memories of Herman . Where did you live then ? I didn't know that he was from the Maple Grove area . He and I were co captains of the Moline wrestling team . He placed third in the state. If an oponent got too nasty with him he would head butt them . A gutsy move with the referee watching . By then the ref. let it go figuring that they dederved it . As the school was conserving money, Herman and I shared the same bed at that State tournament --a little odd . The coaches all had their own rooms tho! He was a hell of a guy and well respected by all of us . .
I am saddend to learn of so many of the team are dead now .A much larger percent [30ish] than the class as a whole .
Dr. Willian Gipson