Dr. Allen Henry
Sometimes a person transforms the world during their lifetime—;sometimes transformative change is realized after they have passed, and sometimes, as in the case of Allen Henry, some special people transform the world around them in their lifetimes and after.
Community leader, businessman, board member, loving father and grandfather, beloved husband to Sandra, and devoted to their dog, Dewars, Allen “Al” S. Henry, Ph.D. knew a lot about effecting change. From the time he began working at Harris in the 1970s, Dr. Henry passionately served the Brevard community, devoting more than 10 years of service to the Health First board of trustees, and in 2009 he was awarded emeritus status.
Dr. Henry’s service to Health First impressed upon him the necessity of providing superior health care to both attract and support local business and to serve families throughout the region. He survived three open heart surgeries, and his parents both had a history of cardiac problems.
“Al was modest and humble,” says his wife, Sandra, “and he had a great view of systems and understood how things worked together.”
He understood well that superior health care depended in part on having the financial freedom to respond to both opportunities and challenges. “Al valued this community,” Sandra observes, “so public service became a big part of his life.”
True to his values, Dr. Henry understood that philanthropy is transformative, and he consistently supported the Health First Foundation throughout his life. In addition, he and Sandra both volunteered and have generously supported many charities close to their hearts.
Sandra and Allen Henry
As part of Dr. Henry’s legacy, he directed a gift of more than $1.3 million be given to the Foundation as part of his estate plan. For Dr. and Mrs. Henry, it was as easy as naming the Health First Foundation a beneficiary of his retirement fund. The gift will support the Heart Center at Health First’s Holmes Regional Medical Center, help provide compassionate care through Hospice of Health First, establish a named scholarship endowment for Health First nurses seeking advanced education, and establish a named endowment for the Bright Star Center for Grieving Children and Families.
“He worked hard for his success,” Sandra says, “having worked two jobs through college, so it was always important for him to plan ahead.” After Dr. Henry passed away in March 2019, Sandra wisely opined: “Planning ahead takes the stress away from family and ensures you give back in a way that's most meaningful to you.”
Planned gifts such as this are an enduring and memorable way to ensure that the things you value—health, family and your community—are better for your presence among us. Contact the Foundation today to see how easily you can help transform your community.
If you are interested in learning more about supporting Health First through a planned gift, please contact Chris Kern at 321.434.1807 or chris.kern@hf.org.