Henry Lee Crowley,Sr.

Mr. Henry Lee Crowley, Sr., 82, of Paris died Tuesday, July 14, 2015, at Vanderbilt Medical Center. Services will be held at 3 p.m Saturday, July 18, 2015, at Straightway Apostolic Church in McKenzie, TN with Elder Timothy Maclin officiating. Interment will follow in Henry County Tabernacle Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday at the church. Henry was born in Madison County, MS on February 2, 1933 to the union of Crawford Crowley and Josie-Mae Johnson. Henry graduated from Marshall High School in Chicago, IL. He was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served as a military policeman during the Korean War and earned the National Defense Service Medal. Upon discharge from the army Henry benefited from his experience as a military policeman and obtained employment with the Chicago Police Department and retired at the rank of sergeant. He also worked and retired from the United States Postal Service. Henry was a diligent, hard worker and did not mind putting forth effort to support his family. Henry also earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Chicago State University while being committed to both jobs. Henry gave 35 years of service as a police officer and 27 years as a postal worker. Throughout his many years as a police officer Henry had the testimony that he was never forced to draw his gun or to take a life. Although, he was known to say that he was not ashamed to freely employ his night stick as a means to uphold the rule of law while policing Chicago’s city streets. Henry had a great love and passion for fishing. He shared his love for fishing and spent quality time with his children and grandchildren as he took them on fishing trips, most notably to Wisconsin Dells. Many fishing stories, adventures, and great memories were made during these trips. Henry’s greatest love beside all others was his love for the Lord. In 1969 he embraced the message of salvation while attending True Holiness Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith and never turned away from his commitment to the Lord. He served as a deacon and Sunday School Superintendent and was committed to these offices over the course of his life with the Lord. He became affectionately known as Deacon Crowley or “Deac”. God blessed Henry to be very studious toward the Word of God, (“Study to show thyself approved before God . . .” II Timothy 2:15 ) and intently shared the gospel with whomever he met. Many of those whom Henry shared the Word with also accepted the gospel truth and went on to live productive spiritual lives. Not only was he a fisherman, but he was also a “fisher of men” and a witness to all, (Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature . . .” Mark 16:15). Henry was not only a student of the Bible but also of African American history and intently shared his love for this subject to edify and educate his community. Henry also held employment in the following areas while residing in Paris. A truancy officer for Henry County Juvenile Court under Judge Hansel McAdams, auditor for UPS and a truck driver for Hotshot Freight and Emergency Service. Henry leaves to cherish his memory his wife Laverne “Vern”, two daughters Natasha Crowley, Tampa, FL., Lynn Williams, Miami, FL; seven sons, Hank Jr. (Chris), Wheaton, IL, Rayfield Crowley, Chicago, IL., Sheldon Crowley (Lori), Lake St. Louis, MO., Myron Crowley, Park Forest, IL., Vik Williams (Shalawn), Paris, TN., Dr. Sean Crowley, Tampa, FL., and Steven Crowley, Pompano Beach, FL.; one brother, George Jackson (Helen) of Jackson, MS; 15 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends. Rawls Funeral Home – Paris 731-642-1515