Odell T. Henry

Odell Thomas Henry was born June 7, 1939 in Vienna, Maryland of Louis Rideout and Bessie Young=Henry. He was the oldest of six children. A man of two first names, he was often called Henry. Odell Henry departed this earthly life on January 17, 2021. Henry graduated in 1948 with distinction from Sinclair-Frederick Douglass High School in Dorchester County, Maryland. He received full scholarships to Wilberforce University-America's first private HBCU and North Carolina A & T, but chose a different path and joined the Army. He served his country in the infantry regiment for two tours as pat of the Berlin Blockade during the Berlin Airlift. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Army Occupation Medal (Germany) In 1956, after being discharged from the Army, Henry moved to Baltimore. He found employment at Bethlehem Steel and worked there for 36 years. He met and married Claudia Kirksey of Catherine, Alabama, in 1957. Claudia preceded Odell in death 2019. Henry was an active member of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Maryland. He was affiliated with the Eden Lodge #72 for over 55 years. He became a Master Mason on June 15, 1965 and served various roles including Worship Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer for 15 years, Secretary for 9 years and Lodge Chaplain for 4 years. He joined Bethel AME Church in 1981 and was a faithful member if the Men's Ministry. Henry was the quintessential gentlemen- the kind of man they don't make anymore. He was kind, strong, polite and when he was around, you felt safe. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, and and extraordinary craftsman who enjoyed home improvement projects including building sheds, home furnishings and painting. Odell was not known for sitting around all day; he maintained an active lifestyle even up to the day of his passing, including working out at the VA, dining out, and driving down to the Eastern Shore to visit with family and friends. His family and friends were important to him. Odell was well known and loved by many. He lived his life as he chose. Odell Henry will be remembered for his kindness, his generosity, his honesty, his unpretentious, and comforting presence. He was not a person to judge others, he accepted you as you are. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Joyce Taylor, Ernestine Conley, Delores Jackson and his brother Lewis (Jake) Rideout-Bey. He leaves behind to cherish fond memories; his two sons, Carl Henry (Margaret) and Benjamin Henry (Delores); one daughter, Teresa Butler-Rideout; a special cousin, Gretha Keith and brother-in-law, John Taylor. He had five grandchildren, Charles Carter, Shandra Carter, Carla Henry, Bene' Viera, Julius Fabre'; five great-grandchildren; a hose of nieces and nephews and other loved ones

Tributes

Odell T. Henry

June 7, 1930 - January 17, 2021