Douglas Henry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Douglas Henry
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Henry in 2014
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| Member of the Tennessee Senate from the 21st district |
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| In office 1971–2014 |
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| Succeeded by | Jeff Yarbro |
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| Born | May 18, 1926 Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | March 5, 2017 (aged 90) Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Alma mater | Vanderbilt University |
| Profession | Attorney |
Douglas Selph Henry Jr. (born May 18, 1926 – died March 5, 2017) was an American lawyer and a Democratic politician. He was known for serving a very long time in the Tennessee legislature, which is the group of people who make laws for the state. He was a member of the Tennessee Senate, representing the 21st district, which is part of Davidson County. Before that, he was also a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Douglas Henry was born in Nashville, Tennessee, on May 14, 1926. His family had a history of public service. His grandfather, C.A. Craig, started a big insurance company called National Life and Accident Insurance Co. His father, Douglas Selph Henry Sr., also served in the Tennessee Senate. His uncle, Robert Selph Henry, was a lawyer and a historian who wrote many history books.
Douglas Henry went to several schools, including The Parmer School, Wallace School, and The McCallie School. He graduated from the Montgomery Bell Academy in 1941.
During World War II, Henry served in the United States Army in the Philippines for more than two years. For his service, he received the Philippine Independence Medal.
After the war, he went to Vanderbilt University. He earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree, studying French, Greek, and Latin. Later, he earned a law degree (LL.B) from the Vanderbilt Law School.
Career in Law and Politics
Douglas Henry started his career as a lawyer. He also worked as a legal advisor for his family's business, the National Life and Accident Insurance Co.
In 1952, Henry tried to get elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives but didn't win. However, he was successfully elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives in 1954.
He took a break from politics in the 1960s and worked as a lawyer for the National Life Insurance Company.
Henry returned to politics in 1970. He was elected to the Tennessee State Senate 11 times in a row! In 2010, he won his primary election by only 17 votes, showing how close some elections can be.
Henry always said he supported laws that helped "education, children's welfare, and voting rights." For example, in 1978, he helped pass a law in Tennessee that made it required for children to use seat belts in cars. This law helped keep kids safe.
Retirement from Service
In 2007, the Republican party became the majority in the state Senate. Even though Henry was from the minority party (Democratic), they respected him a lot. They called him the "chairman emeritus" of the Finance Committee. This meant his ideas and opinions were still very important in the committee.
In 2014, Henry decided not to run for re-election and chose to retire. This happened after his district was changed a lot by the Republican lawmakers. Jeff Yarbro, who had challenged Henry in 2010, became the new Senator for the 21st District.
When he retired, Douglas Henry had served in the Tennessee legislature for 23 years, making him the longest-serving member ever. The State Comptroller of the Treasury, Justin P. Wilson, called him "a true gentleman."
Personal Life and Death
Douglas Henry was married to Loiette Hume "Lolly" Henry. They had two sons, Robert Selph Henry and Douglas Cornelius Hume Henry, and four daughters: Loiette Henry Thompson, Kathryn Henry-Choisser, Mary Leland Henry Wehner, and Emily McMahon (who passed away earlier). Lolly, his wife, died in December 2016.
Douglas Henry passed away on March 5, 2017, at his home in Nashville, Tennessee. Many important people shared their thoughts about him. Former Vice President Al Gore called him "a dear friend." Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam described him as "a powerhouse intellect, courteous, kind, genuine and a statesman." Nashville's mayor, Megan Barry, praised his "high standard for decorum and decency in public life."
Henry's body was honored by lying in state at the Tennessee State Capitol on March 9, 2017. This is a very rare honor, and it hadn't happened since Governor Austin Peay in 1927. His funeral was held at the Downtown Presbyterian Church on March 10, 2017.
