Clifford Thomas Henry, 85, passed away on Sunday, August 4, 2024.
Born in Bellefontaine, Ohio September 4, 1938, Tom was the son of Zelma Nina Hertenstein and Lewis “Roxie” Henry. He is survived by his son Tim Henry, and companion and classmate of Bellefontaine, Ohio High graduating class of 1956, Pamela Rae Porter Patterson, cousins Jody Smith and Lisa Gruebel, his pups Tommy and Paisley, and employees at Code Electrical Classes.
He was an Electrical Instructor of over 22,000 students and the author of over 140 books.
He started his electrician apprenticeship in 1956 in Bellefontaine for the New York Central Railroad. In 1961 he worked as a maintenance electrician for Detroit Aluminum and Brass. 1969 worked as an electrical contractor for D.M. Hilliker Lima, Ohio.
In August 1971 he was employed by Walt Disney World Orlando, Florida in facilities management in the assembly of the Monorail system and in 1973 transferred to the Planning Department as a Project Superintendent over the skilled trades performing the rehabs of the attractions in the Magic Kingdom. He was honored to be involved in the planning of President Richard Nixon’s press conference at the Ballroom of America Contemporary Hotel and President Jimmy Carter’s Inaugural Speech to the International Chamber of Commerce in Cinderella’s Castle forecourt.
In 1982 he was employed as an electrical inspector over the Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, and the 27,000-acre property. During his employment at Walt Disney World, he kept in touch with Logan County residents by signing in over 88 families as his guests. Some included a backstage tour in which he had the privilege of meeting people who became friends over the years.
1938 - 2024- He was invited to sit in the press box at the Ohio State - Michigan game in Columbus and a year later in Ann Arbor. He was invited to meet coach Woody Hayes and his wife Ann. After one backstage tour, he was given a pass for the entire week of the Masters golf tournament. The Manager of Planning at Walt Disney World always gave notable backstage tours to show construction procedures in the shop areas. If he was unavailable for some reason, Tom was first called to handle this service. A company car was made available for him to go to a hotel and meet a dignitary and then host the backstage tour usually lasting 1-1/2 hours.
Blessed in his journey called life, danced with Loretta Lynn (more than once), held the arms of Shaquille O’Neal, walked the fairway at the Masters with Barbara Nicklaus, the press box in Ann Arbor, Michigan sat beside Keith Jackson, and Ara Parseghian covering ABC Wide World of Sports, President of the Model T Ford Winter Tour, caddie for Lorena Ochoa (one hole), sponsor for LPGA season championship, dinner with Annika Sorenstam LPGA hall of Famer, sponsor for A.J.’s Angels WNBA basketball, Thursday golf weekly with the old PGA Pro Bob Erickson, donating the HENRY buildings for the children in the Philippines, voted best Santa Claus in Manila, started a Nursing Scholarship at Mary Rutan Hospital in memory of his mother who worked over 40 years as a nurse for doctors.
On another occasion, he received a long-distance phone call from his hometown from Mr. C. E. (Ernie) Knowlton. Mr. Knowlton's company built post offices, Holiday Inn, and many buildings at Ohio State University and he was on the Board of Directors at Ohio State. Tom made arrangements for him and his wife to come to Disney World for a tour. Again, he was very impressed and expressed his appreciation. "How can I ever repay you?" Tom just had to say, "Mr. Knowlton, you know I'm an Ohio boy and I've followed Ohio State football since 1950 and I even saw the Blizzard Bowl in 1950! I always returned to Ohio in September for my birthday and have tried to get tickets but they are difficult to come by."
He suggested that this September when Tom was in Ohio to come by his office and he would see what he could do. C. E. said to Tom, "You really like Woody Hayes don't you?" Tom said, "I would rather meet Woody Hayes than the President of the United States." How many Ohio State fans can wear an Ohio State jacket and stand on the 50-yard line at Ann Arbor, Michigan on game day? Happiness is found along the journey, not at the end of the road. I am a part of almost everyone I’ve ever met. My circuitous journey will continue as my circuit with my maker, my God is intact. My circuitous journey will lead me back home to Him. I agree with William Penn - he said, "I expect to pass through life but once. If, therefore, there be any kindness I can show or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again."
Arrangements are in the care of Baldwin Fairchild at Chapel Hill in Orlando, Flordia.
Condolences may be expressed at: www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/orlandofl/clifford-henry-11926022
