Henry Counts

Henry Counts, a retired public school administrator, 87, of Cleburne died Friday, February 13, 2009, in Cleburne. Henry was born October 10, 1921 in Bynum the son of Clarry and Birdie Laurence Counts. He attended the Hillsboro Public Schools and Hillsboro Junior college. He received a Bachelors degree from Baylor University and a Masters degree from North Texas State. For 31/2 years he served in the United States Air Force. On August 27, 1954 he married Marinelle Carpenter in Kerens. Henry was associated with the Hillsboro Public Schools for 34 years as a teacher, coach, and principal. He was known and respected by many in education. Following retirement, he was employed by Pleasant Ridge Church of Christ in Arlington, where he served on the staff for eight years. He had served as an elder at College Hill Church of Christ in Hillsboro and later as an elder at Pleasant Ridge Church of Christ in Arlington. He was currently a member of West Hill Church of Christ in Cleburne. Henry's life was centered around the church, his family, and education. He will be sorely missed by the many who knew and loved him. Preceding him in death were his parents; sister, Betty Jo Davis; and brother, Kenneth Counts. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Marinelle Counts of Cleburne; daughter, Cheryl Bailey and husband, Mike, of Cleburne; three grandsons, Zach Bailey of Cleburne, Joel Bailey and wife, Lauren, of Waco, and Michael Bailey of Cleburne; brother, Ben Counts and wife, Becky, of Arlington; niece, Angela Hazelip and husband, Pat, of Plano; three great-nephews, Patrick, Andrew, and Philip Hazelip and good friend, Jean Triplett. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 4150 International Plaza, Suite 125, Fort Worth, TX 76109.