Electrician Clifford Thomas Henry passed away Aug. 4, 2024.
Tom was born in Bellefontaine, Ohio, on September 4, 1938, a son of Zelma Nina Hertenstein and Lewis “Roxie” Henry.
Survived by his son Tim Henry; companion and classmate of Bellefontaine, Ohio High graduating class of 1956, Pamela Rae Porter Patterson; Ohio cousins Jody Smith and Lisa Gruebel; Westie pups Tommy and Paisley, and employees Code Electrical Classes.
He was an Electrical Instructor of over 22,000 students, and author of over 140 books.
He started his electrician apprenticeship in 1956 in Bellefontaine for the New York Central Railroad. In 1961, he worked as a maintenance electrician for Detroit Aluminum and Brass. In 1969, he worked as an electrical contractor for D.M. Hilliker Lima, Ohio.
During August 1971, he was employed by Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, in facilities management in the assembly of the Monorail system. In 1973, he transferred to the Planning Department as a Project Superintendent over the skilled trades performing the rehabs of the attractions in the Magic Kingdom.
Honored to be involved in the planning of President Richard Nixon’s press conference at the Ball Room of America Contemporary Hotel and President Jimmy Carter’s Inaugural Speech to the International Chamber of Commerce in Cinderella’s Castle forecourt.
In 1982, he was employed as an electrical inspector over the Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center and the 27,000 acres property.
During his employment at Walt Disney World, he kept in touch with Logan County residents by signing in over 88 families as his guests. Some included a backstage tour and he had the privilege of meeting people who became friends over the years.
The Manager of Planning at Walt Disney World always gave notables backstage tours to show construction procedures in the shop areas. If he was unavailable for some reason, Tom was first called to handle this service. A company car was made available for him to go to a hotel and meet a dignitary and then host the backstage tour usually lasting 1-1/2 hours.
He was invited to sit in the press box at the Ohio State-Michigan game in Columbus and a year later in Ann Arbor. He was invited to meet coach Woody Hayes and wife Ann. After one backstage tour, he was given a pass for the entire week of the Masters golf tournament.
Blessed in his journey called life, he danced with Loretta Lynn (more than once), held in the arms of Shaquille O’Neal, walked the fairway at the Masters with Barbara Nicklaus, the press box Ann Arbor, Michigan sat beside Keith Jackson and Ara Parseghian covering ABC Wide World of Sports, President of the Model T Ford Winter Tour, caddie for Lorena Ochoa (one hole), sponsor for LPGA season championship, dinner with Annika Sorenstam LPGA hall of famer, sponsor for A.J.’s Angels WNBA basketball, Thursday golf weekly with the old PGA pro Bob Erickson, donated the HENRY buildings for the children in the Philippines, voted best Santa Claus in Manila, started a Nursing Scholarship at Mary Rutan Hospital in memory of his mother who worked over 40 years as a nurse for doctors.
On another occasion, he received a long-distance phone call from his hometown from Mr. C. E. (Ernie) Knowlton. Mr. Knowlton’s company built post offices, Holiday Inns, many buildings at Ohio State University and he was on the Board of Directors at Ohio State.
Tom made arrangements for him and his wife to come to Disney World for a tour. Mr. Knowlton was very impressed and expressed his appreciation. “How can I ever repay you?”
Tom just had to say, “Mr. Knowlton, you know I’m an Ohio boy and I’ve followed Ohio State football since 1950 and I even saw the Blizzard Bowl in 1950! I always returned to Ohio in September for my birthday and have tried to get tickets but they are difficult to come by.”
He suggested that in September when Tom was in Ohio to come by his office and he would see what he could do.
C. E. said to Tom, “You really like Woody Hayes don’t you?” Tom said, “I would rather meet Woody Hayes than the President of the United States.”
How many Ohio State fans can wear an Ohio State jacket and stand on the 50 yard line at Ann Arbor, Michigan on game day?
“A single conversation with a wise man is better than ten years of study.” Tom’s old friend Mr. Knowlton said when planning to go into business, “When you see a void, fill it and don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”
Tom did see voids, and saw needs that were begging to be filled and he was able to fill these needs and voids. This was instrumental in making his business very successful.
Tom left Walt Disney World 1985 to start his own business Code Electrical Classes Inc. traveling 21 states, 84 cities preparing over 22,000 electricians, inspectors, engineers, etc. for the electrical license exam.
He was the founder of Code Electrical Classes Inc. World Wide Leader in Electrical Education.The “Learn to be an Electrician” program has over 2,000 students enrolled, with graduates from 50 different states. Code also has students from other countries throughout the world, Turks, Caicos, Virgin Islands, England, Bermuda, West Indies, Canada, Australia, Iraq, Africa, Guam, and the Philippines.
He loved his work, and never retired, but he was getting tired after 67 years on the job. His dear Mother raised him and taught him his work ethic.
“Happiness is found along the journey, not at the end of the road. I am a part of almost everyone I’ve ever met.”
He discovered in his journey that you don’t have to be scared that you didn’t have the right education or background or image. You can be the most common person in the world and still do something uncommon with your life.
I agree with William Penn, who said, “I expect to pass through life but once. If, therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again.”
Arrangements are in care of Baldwin Fairchild at Chapel Hill in Orlando, FL.
Condolences may be expressed at: www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/orlandofl/clifford-henry-11926022.
