Edwin Gail Henson

Edwin Gail Henson age 87 of Vilas, NC died of a heart attack on June 24, 2024. His wishes were for a green funeral and he was buried the following day on Henson property. He was born on October 5, 1936 in the Beaver Dan area of Watauga County, NC. He was the son of Ford and Thelma Rominger Henson. 

He was a graduate of Cove Creek High School and Appalachian State Teachers College. Post graduate studies in Art were at UNC-G and Winston-Salem State College. 

While both still in college he and his wife, Linda Woodruff Henson, were married (for over 63 years.) 

Besides his wife, Gail is survived by two sons Randy and Joey Henson of Vilas. His two grandchildren, Ashlyn Henson McGuire (Wilson) and Jonas Henson (Kelly McClain.)

One great granddaughter Gemma McGuire. 

His brother-in-law Rick Woodruff (Peggy). His sister-in-law Paula Woodruff. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Charles and Glenn Henson and a sister Martha Jeanne Henson Richardson. His father and mother-in-law, Len and Nell Woodruff and brother-in-law David Woodruff. 

His career consisted of many phases starting with being a sixth-grade teacher in Emporia, Virginia. Later an art teacher in Winston-Salem/Forsyth Schools, NC. This led to him receiving a scholarship from R J Reynolds to study art in the museums of London and major cities in Europe. He was named a teacher of the year. 

Next phase of his career was when he became President of Henson’s Painting and Decorating and received a government contract to paint 1,000 government houses in Winston-Salem. 

Then he decided to become a licensed building contractor and formed several companies for mostly residential houses and some commercial buildings. In addition, he was President of Chalet Thermal Systems to build wood stoves he designed. 

He owned and operated Ranch Place Restaurant and several food trucks along with Mill Creek Auto Sales. He organized and received an award for building a log cabin village at The Dixie Classic Fair. 

He was involved in many church activities at Lewisville Methodist and Henson Chapel Methodist. 

His boundless energy had him involved in many community activities which included Boy Scouts, Noble Grand of the Oddfellows, Pfafftown Jaycees, Cove Creek Historic Committee, Ruritan Club, Executive Director of the Hunger Coalition and the force behind the 

move to its present location in Boone.  

Since all this didn’t keep him busy, he was involved with several sports, skiing over 40 mountains with his wife, tennis, sailing, camping, hiking, Backpacking the Grand Canyon from North to South Rim with his wife for his 60th birthday, motorcycling including many Enduro races of 100 miles or more, trading, traveling, giving free advice etc. 

Many, many thanks to sons Randy, Joey and Amorem Hospice so that Gail could remain at home the last year of his life. 

Memorial donations can be made to Henson Chapel Methodist of Vilas, Hunger Coalition of Boone or Amorem Hospice at 902 Kirkwood St. NW, Lenoir, NC 28645. 

Austin and Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Henson Family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edwin Gail Henson, please visit our floral store.