William A. Henry Sr., 85, U.S. Army veteran and retired security officer

William A. Henry Sr., 85, of Willingboro, a retired security officer and U.S. Army veteran, died Thursday, Aug. 17, of complications from kidney disease at Samaritan Hospice Center at Virtua Hospital in Mount Holly.

The fourth of five children, Mr. Henry grew up in Milford, Del., where he was educated in the public school system. He was affectionately called "Sonny" by his siblings.

After graduating from Milford High School in 1952, he enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and during Vietnam War and earned a reputation as an exemplary soldier. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant first class. He was honorably discharged in 1978, after serving his country for 26 years.

Married to his high school sweetheart, Frankie Mae Hart, Mr. Henry settled with his family in Willingboro after leaving the military. The couple had four children. His wife of 43 years died in 1993.

For 30 years ending in the 2000s, Mr. Henry was employed in the security department at Zurbrugg Memorial Hospital, now Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, in Willingboro. He worked his way up to sergeant. Health issues forced him to retire from full-time duty, but Mr. Henry volunteered at the hospital's front desk several times a week until seven months ago, when his health declined.

"He had a strong work ethic," said his son Terry. "He rarely took vacations. He would have still been working if he could have."

Mr. Henry enjoyed attending jazz concerts and playing the card games bid whist and pinochle at the Willingboro Senior Center with his friend Mary Churchill. With his friendly personality, he acquired many friends and acquaintances. He liked to travel.

"We went on a cruise with him to Alaska. He loved it," said his daughter-in-law Henrietta L. Henry.

Mr. Henry was a friendly, upbeat man who liked to crack jokes. "He was always humming to himself," his daughter-in-law said. He had a taste for hamburgers and creamed chipped beef, and would order those dishes even when dining at fancy restaurants. "He loved his Pepsi; he had to have a can a day," she said.

Deeply spiritual, he was a member of Alpha Baptist Church in Willingboro.

In addition to his son, Mr. Henry is survived by a daughter, Deborah Hodge; two other sons, William Jr., and Andre; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a brother; and a sister.

A viewing will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 25,  followed by the funeral, at Alpha Baptist Church, 15 Rose St., Willingboro. Interment will be at Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery, 350 Province Line Rd., Wrightstown.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Samaritan Hospice, 175 Madison Ave., Mount Holly, N.J. 08060.