Colon Eugene Henry, 82

Mr. Colon Eugene Henry, age 82, passed away Saturday, October 18, 2025, at his home in Swainsboro surrounded by family and friends. Funeral services were held Tuesday, October 21, at 11 a.m. at Mt. Shady Baptist Church with Reverend Rusty Moore officiating. Interment followed in Mt. Shady Baptist Church Cemetery. Family received friends Monday, October 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Chapman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were Chesley Dixon, Cooper Riner, Paxton Dixon, Cannon Dixon, Brooks Dixon, Lynn Edenfield, Alf Wimberly, and Mike Beasley.

Colon was born on February 10, 1943, in Swainsboro, to the late Robert Eugene Henry and Marie Hadden Henry. He was a concrete finisher by trade. Outside the concrete profession, Colon built many houses, as well as numerous handmade crafts. He was ordained as deacon at Mt. Shady Church in 1975. Colon’s hobbies included spending time with his family, riding his tractors, gardening, and fishing, especially with his great grandsons. He poured his heart into his family, sharing from his garden, and watching his grandchildren grow.

Many knew him simply as “Pa”, and if you did, then you know just how much love, laughter, and faith that name carried. Pa lived 82 full, hardworking, faith-filled years. He was a man with a 3rd grade education, and very proud of it, but you would be mistaken to think that ever limited him. In fact, Pa was one of the wisest, most capable, accomplished men you could ever meet. Pa’s profession was “cement”, from foundations to swimming pools. He could build a house – 14 to be exact, but he built more than that……he built a life, a family, and a legacy. He built this very sanctuary, where he has been a life-long member. Pa provided more than just the physical foundation of this building; he also provided a steady presence and served many years as deacon. God came 1st for Pa. He stood firmly on the word of God, and I mean FIRMLY. You didn’t want to argue scripture with Pa unless you came prepared. But oh, how he loved to DISCUSS it, and while you might avoid a theological debate, if you wanted to talk politics, especially TRUMP, well that’s a conversation he’d gladly have – just be ready to hear his opinion, because he was always going to give it, and say “Well, that’s just my opinion.” – as if it were just a gentle suggestion, but we knew – Pa meant it.

At his core, Pa was a creator, he poured concrete for a living, but more than that, he poured his heart into everything he touched – his garden, his workshop, his tractors, and most of all his FAMILY. There wasn’t a thing he couldn’t build – from toyboxes that all the grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have, to two hand carved king-sized beds. If you could dream it, Pa could build it. That was his love language – creating. He showed his love in things he made, the time he gave, and the stability he offered.

Pa loved music, put on some bluegrass gospel or some Loretta Lynn and would see his foot go to tapping. But the real show started when he hit the dance floor. I’ve seen people just stop and watch – especially when he would dance with the love of his life, Mama.

Pa and mama were soulmates – 65 years together. Mama, or Jeannie as he called her, was his everything. He swept her off her feet when she was just 14 years old and he never let go since. They have been partners in every way – in love, in parenting, and in building a life that is an example for all of us. To witness their love was something special, a quite devoted partnership built on respect, support and affection. You couldn’t get a picture of the two of them without Pa trying to plant a kiss on mama. So, you always took two – one real picture and the “KISS” picture. Pa and mama loved UNCONDITIONALLY, they raised a daughter together, they weathered storms together and celebrated good times. In the last while now, Pa got to where he didn’t want mama out of his sight, he always wanted her right by his side. A love like Pa had for mama is TIMELESS…it didn’t stop Saturday…or today or even tomorrow…it’s everlasting. Pa’s family was his heart. Pa’s little girl, T, could put a sparkle in his eye quicker than anything. Pa and T had a special bond. At times, Pa might be what you called stubborn, but there was one person that could always persuade him, and that was his baby girl. What did Pa love? Well, he loved cowboy movies, he loved the Waffle King, and the hospital cafeteria. He did love to eat, he told me on more than one occasion, “I don’t get full, I just get tired from eating”. Pa also loved his garden, and he loved to give from his garden. I think he grew it so he could share it. He grew it, mama cooked it, and we ate it. Pa loved babies, while some men are scared to hold them, not Pa, and his great grandbabies were his heart. How many people do you know would hang swings from the ceiling in their living room so the babies can swing inside too. That was Pa, always doing whatever it took to make everyone happy.

Pa was proud – not boastful – but proud in that righteous, solid way that comes from knowing who you are and what you stand for, and Pa stood for Faith, Family, and Honor. His hands may have been rough and calloused from work, but he had a heart as soft and loving as anyone I’ve ever met. His life was well lived, a man of the earth, of God, and of family. A husband, a father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, brother, and a friend.

We love you Pa, we will miss you more than words can say, but we will carry your legacy forward in what we build, in how we love, and in the faith we stand on. Rest easy. God has built you a mansion now, and as you entered there Saturday afternoon, I know God said, “Well done good and faithful servant”. Mr. Henry is preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Rhonda Melissa; brother, Grady Henry; sisters, Marcile Sapp and Mildred Wilson.

Mr. Henry is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jean Akridge Henry of Swainsboro; daughter, Teresa Henry Dixon (Andy) of Swainsboro; bonus son, Lynn Edenfield (Diane) of Swainsboro; grandson, Chesley Dixon (Bridget) of Swainsboro; bonus granddaughter, Kristy Wimberly (Alf) of Swainsboro; great-grandchildren, Cooper Riner, Paxton Dixon, Cannon Dixon and Brooks Dixon of Swainsboro; bonus great-grandchildren, AnnaKade Clemens and Allison Durden (Ryan) of Swainsboro; brother, Robert Henry Jr. of Swainsboro; sisters, Lucille Edenfield of Swainsboro and Ann Akridge (Garland) of Twin City; very special niece, Sandy Cato (Dairen) of Louisville; special caregiver, Topekia Carswell of Swainsboro; many special nieces, nephews and cousins.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro was in charge of arrangements.