WILMINGTON — Gary Keith Henline “Nay” passed away on February 12, 2025 at the home of his daughter in Wilmington, NC at the age of 86. He was born August 1, 1938 in Clyde, NC to William Carl and Rachel Ensley Henline.
After graduation from Clyde High School in 1957, Gary enlisted in the Army and was sent to Fort Jackson, SC for induction. His basic training took place at Fort Benning, GA. He served in the 3rd Infantry Division as a Military Policeman. He was based in Wurzburg, Germany until he was discharged in 1960.
In 1961 he married Judith Downs of Clyde, NC. They had three children in quick succession before the family moved to Greensboro, NC. He worked for his father as an electrician until 1965 when the Greensboro Police Department hired him. During his early years, the police encountered riots related to the Civil Rights era. In 1979 he was assigned to work the Death to the Klan March that resulted in a clash with the Communist Workers Party. Later he worked under cover with the Tactical Unit until his retirement in 1991. During his time in the Tactical Unit his son Barry, who was also a Greensboro Police Officer, got to ride as his dad’s partner on several occasions.
Gary was a lover of music especially asking Alexa to play his list. He would have his children listen to his music and play guess that song or artist. He took his granddaughter to see the musical Jersey Boys. After his retirement, Gary enjoyed playing golf with the seniors. He was a member of the Greensboro Police Club. He served many years as an usher at Lee’s Chapel United Methodist Church.
Mr. Henline is survived by his wife of 63 years, three children, and four grandchildren: Barry K. Henline and his wife, Michelle, of Wilmington, NC; Maria Henline Crayton of Wilmington, NC and Sherri Henline Jones and her husband, Steve, of Kernersville, NC. The beloved grandchildren are Sara and Seth Henline, along with Evan Ham (Tricia Klein) and Jessica VandeGiessen (Nathan). He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Bill Henline of Clyde; and a sister, Betty Henline Haney Wells of Melbourne, FL.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Lee’s Chapel on March 22, 2025 at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401 or Lee’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 2303 Lee’s Chapel Road, Greensboro, NC 27405. The family is grateful for his care under Hospice.
Until we meet again in Heaven, Daddy. Deuteronomy 1:31: “There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.”
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