Rev. Bobby Jack Henley

“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”, ( 2 Timothy 2:15) ,“Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), “The steps of a good man  are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” (Psalm 37:23)

Funeral services were held for Bro. Bobby Jack Henley on Tuesday, February 9, 2021, at 2 p.m. from McClain-Hays Chapel with Rev. Ben McDaniel and Rev. Larry Savell officiating. Burial followed in Bethsaida Cemetery.   McClain-Hays Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Bro. Bobby Jack Henley, 88, of Philadelphia, died Friday, February 5, 2021 at Anderson’s Hospital in Meridian due to heart valve issues.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Neshoba County.  He graduated from Philadelphia High School in 1950. He graduated from Baylor University in Waco, TX, and then attended Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas, TX. He preached a service at Bethsaida Baptist Church and was invited home for lunch by John Lemuel Sharp where John’s daughter Johnnie Lou caught his eye.  Shortly after they met, he was drafted to the U.S. Army, where he served in active duty from 1958-1960 and was stationed in Germany much of  his tenure.  Upon his return to the U.S., he and Johnnie Lou married in 1961.

He pastored at numerous country churches in Neshoba and Attala Counties through the years, and at Meridale Baptist Church in Meridian.  He was tri-vocational throughout much of his life.  Besides pastoring and farming, he worked many years at U.S. Electrical Motors, then retired from the U.S. Postal Service.  He loved sharing the gospel message, singing, gardening, reading, and occasionally writing poems.

Survivors include his daughter, Ginnie Barker (Cliff) of Philadelphia; son, Greg Henley (Flo) of Starkville; sister, Doris Murphy of Clinton; and a host of nieces, nephews, and  cousins.

Bro. Henley was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Johnnie Lou Sharp Henley in 2016; parents, Marvin (M.B.) and Elna Maye Smith Henley; and brother, James Paul Henley.

Pallbearers are Hank Burns, Brandon Jones, Brian Pace, Glenn Pogue, Kenny Pogue, William Savell, Tyler Spears, Tyler Tingle.  Honorary pallbearers are Jim Henley, Alvis Apperson, Butch Harper, Benjamin Pace, Billy Sharp, Bobby Spears, and Deacons of Beatline Baptist Church.  

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me.” (John 14:6) “For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)