Obituary for Henry M. France
Henry “Papaw” France - Gate City, VA
Henry “Papaw” France, 89, Gate City, VA passed away, Monday, November 26, 2018 at The Waters of Johnson City, TN.
Henry was born in Scott County, VA on October 11, 1929 and was the son of the late Andrew Jackson and Myrtle (Starnes) France.
A veteran of the United States Army, Henry fought for his country during the Korean Was as a Sergeant in the 2nd Infantry Division, receiving two Purple Hearts as a combat wounded veteran. When thanked for his service, he would always say “I love this country, and I’d do it again today”.
Henry was employed by VDOT for 52 years, retiring as a supervisor of the Bridge Crew.
He attended Apostolic Lighthouse where he dedicated his life to the Lord.
In addition to his parents, he had 8 siblings precede him in death.
Surviving is his loving wife of 65 years, Geneva France; sons, Eugene France and wife, Debbie, Church Hill, TN, Steve France and wife, Donna, Kingsport, TN, and Tracy France and wife, Deanne, Gate City, VA; grandchildren, Amy Wallace (Jonathan), Stacie Jenkins (Jason), Derrick France (Kelli), Megan Hensley (Josh), Katie France and Rachel France; great grandchildren, Olivia Addington, Carson and Parker Jenkins, and Mallori and Landrey France; sister, Margaret Norris, Kingsport, TN; along with several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m., Friday, November 30, 2018 at the Gate City Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at 7:00 p.m., in the Gene Falin Memorial Chapel of the funeral home with Brother Herb Harrington officiating. A Eulogy will be given by Brother Rick Begley.
Military graveside services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 1, 2018 at Holston View Cemetery, Weber City, VA by The American Legion Hammond Post #3, Kingsport, TN and Post #265, Gate City, VA assisted by members of the Virginia Army National Guard Honors Team. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. His VDOT co-workers will serve honorary pallbearers.
Family and friends are asked to meet at the funeral home at 12:15 p.m., Saturday to go in procession to the graveside service.
An online guest register is available for the France family at www.gatecityfuneralas.com.
Gate City Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Henry France.