Gary Lee Henman, 86, passed away quietly on November 2, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona.
Born on July 23, 1939, in Augusta, Kansas, Gary was the son of the late Thomas and Wanda (Carlson) Boals. Gary graduated from Chowan High School in Edenton, N.C. in 1957 and went on to attend Chowan Junior College, graduating in 1959 with an associate’s degree. He then enrolled in the Virginia Polytechnic Institute, earning his Bachelor of Science in Social Work in 1962. Gary continued his education, receiving his master’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1966 and a Ph.D. in social work from Catholic University in 1976.
After serving in the U.S. Army, Gary began his social work career in 1963 as a child welfare worker. He was later a juvenile probation officer and served as director of a juvenile training school. He then joined the Federal Bureau of Prisons in 1973 where he worked at different locations, four of which were as warden in Tucson, AZ; Marion, IL; Leavenworth, KS; and Oakdale, LA. He retired in 1997 after 25 years of service. During and following his tenure, Gary was an adjunct professor at eight different universities teaching various criminology and social work classes. Gary ended his working life as an executive with a private corrections company.
In June 1963, Gary met Arline Rabil at a jazz performance in Virginia Beach. Their connection was immediate, and they were married just months later on December 29, 1963, at St. Therese Catholic Church in Wilson, N.C. Together they raised three sons-George, Tom, and Lee-and built a life that spanned many states due to Gary's career.
As a father and later as a grandfather, Gary was a strong and loving figure. In retirement, he and Arline settled in Tucson where they cherished time with their growing family during frequent gatherings filled with laughter, love, and barbeques. Gary loved planting and cultivating gardens, going to the gym and cheering on the Washington Redskins and University of Arizona football and basketball teams while enjoying a beer.
Gary is survived by his sons: George (wife Diane; children Sarah Jane and Caleb), Tom (wife Tonia; children Susannah, Patrick, and Thomas), and Lee (wife Glenda; son Addison); along with many nephews, nieces and cousins. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 60 years, Arline, and his younger brother Clyde A. Henman.
In remembrance of Gary’s life and legacy, donations may be made to the American Cancer society at donate.cancer.org.
His memory will live on through those who loved him dearly and the many lives that he touched along the way.
Born on July 23, 1939, in Augusta, Kansas, Gary was the son of the late Thomas and Wanda (Carlson) Boals. Gary graduated from Chowan High School in Edenton, N.C. in 1957 and went on to attend Chowan Junior College, graduating in 1959 with an associate’s degree. He then enrolled in the Virginia Polytechnic Institute, earning his Bachelor of Science in Social Work in 1962. Gary continued his education, receiving his master’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1966 and a Ph.D. in social work from Catholic University in 1976.
After serving in the U.S. Army, Gary began his social work career in 1963 as a child welfare worker. He was later a juvenile probation officer and served as director of a juvenile training school. He then joined the Federal Bureau of Prisons in 1973 where he worked at different locations, four of which were as warden in Tucson, AZ; Marion, IL; Leavenworth, KS; and Oakdale, LA. He retired in 1997 after 25 years of service. During and following his tenure, Gary was an adjunct professor at eight different universities teaching various criminology and social work classes. Gary ended his working life as an executive with a private corrections company.
In June 1963, Gary met Arline Rabil at a jazz performance in Virginia Beach. Their connection was immediate, and they were married just months later on December 29, 1963, at St. Therese Catholic Church in Wilson, N.C. Together they raised three sons-George, Tom, and Lee-and built a life that spanned many states due to Gary's career.
As a father and later as a grandfather, Gary was a strong and loving figure. In retirement, he and Arline settled in Tucson where they cherished time with their growing family during frequent gatherings filled with laughter, love, and barbeques. Gary loved planting and cultivating gardens, going to the gym and cheering on the Washington Redskins and University of Arizona football and basketball teams while enjoying a beer.
Gary is survived by his sons: George (wife Diane; children Sarah Jane and Caleb), Tom (wife Tonia; children Susannah, Patrick, and Thomas), and Lee (wife Glenda; son Addison); along with many nephews, nieces and cousins. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 60 years, Arline, and his younger brother Clyde A. Henman.
In remembrance of Gary’s life and legacy, donations may be made to the American Cancer society at donate.cancer.org.
His memory will live on through those who loved him dearly and the many lives that he touched along the way.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gary Lee Henman, please visit our flower store.
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