Henry Allen Brownley, 90, went to be with the Lord on Nov. 14, 2013.

 

Henry, known as Allen to most, was born March 2, 1923. Raised in Bohannon, Va., he was one of the first graduates of Mathews High School in 1940. He met and married Eleanor Christine Johnson of Fox Hill, and was a lifelong resident of Hampton. Henry started his career with Pennsylvania Railroad, working with railroad barges between Cape Henry and Cape Charles from 1940-1946. He received his Merchant Seaman’s

 

Certificate from the United States Coast Guard in March 1944 and served on numerous ships. Henry continued his career with NACA and subsequently NASA Langley Research Center and retired in 1983 after 28 years of service. 

 

Henry “Allen” was an active member of the Fox Hill Volunteer Fire Department for 50 years. Henry enjoyed working in his woodshop and tending to his garden. He enjoyed nature and had a particular love of all animals, including several wild animals he considered “pets” and his beloved Boston Terriers. He also loved to dance and build model ships. Two of his model ships were donated to the Mathews Maritime Museum and are currently on display. 

 

Henry “Allen” was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Eleanor Christine Brownley. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Bonnie and Richard Hardy of Yorktown; three granddaughters, and six great-grandchildren, Bill and Shelby Maddox of Newport News, Va., and their children, Ashleigh and Wyatt; Keith and Kelli Binzer of Highlands Ranch, Colo., and their daughters, Brooke and Taylor; and Alex and Karen McLaughlin of Richmond, Va., and their daughters, Cambria and Peyton.

 

“Daddy,” “Granddaddy,” and “Great-Great” will be missed by all.

 

Family received friends at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home in downtown Hampton, Va., on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013, from 4-6 p.m.

 

Flowers may be sent to R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Henry’s name to the Parkinson’s Research Foundation.