Raymond J. Henry Sr.

It is with great sadness that the family of Ray announce his unfortunate passing at Samaritan Hospital on February 26th, 2023 after a brief illness.  Born in Troy on November 11th, 1943, he was the son of the late Lee J. Henry and Alice V. (Cushman) Henry, devoted husband to the late Dorothy (Sullivan) Henry, amazing, hardworking father, loving grandfather and uncle and loyal friend to many.  He owned and operated Rays Floor Covering for more than 50 years
He loved to watch all sports.  A steadfast fan of the NY Giants.  His first love was baseball and although he was always a Braves fan, the family slowly converted him to join the rest of them as Yankee fans. Whether it was baseball, darts, pool, bowling, poker or golf, he enjoyed and excelled at all but most of all golf. 

Legend has it , he played his first round of golf with 2 clubs, a 9 iron and a putter.  He caught the bug and the rest was history.  Within 5 years, he was holding a 2 handicap and managed to win a spot in the 48th Annual U.S. Amateur Pub Links Championship which could’ve led to earning a spot in the U.S. Open. Also playing is 2 U.S. Open qualifiers at the Albany Country Club.  He was 2 time Rensselaer County Amateur Men’s Champion and 4 time Senior Amateur Men’s Champion.  He won the Troy Country Club Championship in 1990 and countless other local tournaments spanning over decades.  His favorite course to play tournaments was Mt. Anthony Country Club in Bennington, Vermont.  His first hole in one was on the 13th hole at Frear Park using a 2 iron (187 yds), the only person to have had a hole in one on the 13th hole. He currently holds the overall course record at Frear Park with a 61 (-2 on front, -8 on back)
He passed the bug onto his 3 sons with whom he spent decades enjoying his time playing and teaching his love and respect for the game. He wasn’t just a great player. Ray was a major influence on many golfers throughout the years, always ready to give a tip or vote of confidence on their play.  His competitive nature and passion for bettering a player's game would only make him excel more.
He spent many summers over the years fishing with family on Lake Champlain. His retirement years were spent playing poker, relaxing and fishing at several area cabins and lakes.  He always had a “bad beat” or the ”fish that got away” story. 

Affectionately known to most as “Papa Ray”, he will always be remembered for his quick wit and talent for “busting chops”.  He had a tough exterior with a giant heart.  If you we’re lucky enough to be his friend, you knew it and you never had to wonder. 

He is survived by his children, Ray Henry Jr., Gregory Henry, Suzan Henry, Katy Holman and Darci Henry; grandchildren, Nina (Jack) Rysedorph, Carley (Greg) Furlani, Luccio Sorriento, Brianna Sorriento, Paul Holman, Maggie (Kyle) Thomas, Raeanna Dukes; Siblings, James Henry, Robert (Maryann) Henry and Patricia Cucack.
Proceeded in death by is wife, Dottie (Sullivan) Henry, son, Steven L. Henry, son in law, Mark Holman and Sister Peggy (Henry) Spiak.  Take solice in knowing he is now reunited with them.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 3rd at 10:00 am at the Wm. Leahy funeral Home, 336 3rd St., Troy with Deacons Bob Sweeney officiating.  Interment will follow in Elmwood Hill Cemetery.  Family and friends are invited and may call on Thursday, March 2nd from 3pm–7pm at the funeral home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Raymond J. Henry Sr., please visit our floral store.