J. Charles Henry

J. CHARLES HENRY died Feb. 25 in Little Rock, Ark. Born Jan. 6, 1954 in Vallejo, Calif. to Betty Anne and Dr. J. Forrest Henry, Charles was a '72 graduate of Hall High School and a '76 graduate of Rhodes College (then Southwestern at Memphis). At Rhodes, he met Sarah Rorie, his future wife. They shared nearly 36 years of love and adventure. He received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences where he also served his internship. He completed an ophthalmology residency at the University of Tennessee in Memphis and was accepted as a Glaucoma Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania (Scheie Eye Institute) under the supervision of Dr. Ted Krupin, a legendary figure in the field. He was board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. Charles returned to Little Rock to join his father and Cliff Clifton in private practice at the Henry Eye Clinic—subsequently the Little Rock Eye Clinic. During his career, the clinic became a statewide destination for comprehensive eye care. Known as an excellent glaucoma surgeon and researcher, he was a leader in the ophthalmic community. In 1987, Charles was the first Arkansan elected to membership in the American Glaucoma Society. He has served as president of the Arkansas Ophthalmological Society and as chief of the Ophthalmology Section of Baptist Health. For two years he edited the glaucoma section of Focal Points, a publication of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the American Academy of Ophthalmology in recognition of 10 years of presentation and service. He was also a member of the Visual Care Review Board (1987-2016), a consultant to the Arkansas Department of Human Services, a member of the Arkansas Board of Dispensing Opticians, and a community-based mentor for ophthalmology residents at the University of Arkansas Medical Center. He was active in several clinical research studies to advance treatment for glaucoma. He completed medical teaching trips to countries such as Cuba, Peru, Sudan, and Uzbekistan. Closer to home, he loved getting to know his patients and had recently founded VISION, a juried art exhibition for local K-12 students. The winning artworks decorate the walls of the Little Rock Eye Clinic. Charles was an avid beekeeper and woodworker. He was quick with a joke, eager to travel, and loved exploring new places, often while geocaching. He was known to throw milkweed seeds out of the car window to promote natural habitats for monarch butterflies. Beyond all of his accomplishments, he will be remembered as a loving spouse and brother, and a wonderfully supportive father. His siblings are Bob Henry (June) of Portland, Ore., Brad Henry (Cathy) of Fayetteville, and Elizabeth Henry Garland (Greg) of Little Rock. He is predeceased by his parents and his sister, Lindsey Anne Henry. Charles was dearly devoted to his children and their spouses: Elizabeth Henry McKeever (Alison), William Henry (Kylie), and Robert Henry, and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. The visitation will be Monday, Feb. 29 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home (13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, 501-224-8300). The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 1 at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral with internment at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arkansas Repertory Theater or Literacy Action of Central Arkansas. Arrangements by Roller-Chenal. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.