Mr. Kenneth Delma Henry, affectionately known as “Butch,” was born on September 3, 1946, to the late Delma and May Sue Henry in Shelby, NC. He was the oldest of two sons. The Henry family relocated to Greensboro, NC, when he was very young. Butch grew up in Greensboro, NC, and attended Guilford County Public Schools. He later graduated from Dudley High School.

Butch loved sports, and in 1964, he was recruited by Wake Forest University to play football, becoming the first Black athlete to sign with the school. He was also one of the first three African American football players to desegregate a college football team in the South. With racism at an all-time high, and as the first African American athlete on the Winston-Salem campus, Butch endured tremendous hatred, racism, and verbal abuse. Nevertheless, he excelled as an outstanding quarterback and receiver. It has often been said that he was one of the best all-around athletes in the entire South, paving the way for countless African American athletes who would follow him. He was recognized as a true Culture Creator for the lives he changed through his courage, skill, and talent.

On November 13, 2021, the Robert Grant and Kenneth “Butch” Henry Trailblazer Award was created to honor the significance of the first Black football players at Wake Forest University and to acknowledge the historical role Wake Forest Athletics played in integrating Division I sports in the South. Being the first Black football players required tremendous courage—to take to the field on behalf of their teammates and the Wake Forest community despite the risks. It took deep faith to trust that their teammates, coaching staff, and the university community would offer steady support during critical times. As transformational leaders, they relied on their abilities, talents, and extraordinary fortitude to persevere. Their strength paved the way and created paths of success for future generations of athletes across the South. Hence, the Robert Grant and Kenneth “Butch” Henry Trailblazer Award celebrates Wake Forest student-athletes, alumni, staff, and community members who have blazed trails in the areas of diversity, inclusion, equity, and other social issues.

Not only was Butch a remarkable athlete—he was a remarkable man. He loved helping people and was the kind of person who would give the coat off his back to anyone in need. He would help any and everybody for anything. He loved children and took pride in making a difference in the lives of others.

After his football career, Butch held various jobs. While working for United Airlines in DC, Butch transferred from DC to work for the airline at San Francisco airport and relocated to East Palo Alto, California, where he lived for several years before returning to North Carolina to take care of his mom. He especially enjoyed his time as a nationwide fourteen-wheeler truck driver delivering furniture and parcels. His friends often teased that he could easily back up a 14-wheeler, but he had difficulty backing his own car into a small space.

Like many people, Butch experienced ups and downs throughout his life, but he always held tightly to his faith. He was very spiritual and had strong beliefs, as well as a strong relationship with a Higher Power.

Butch departed this life on November 8, 2025, and was preceded in death by both his parents, his younger brother Wayne Henry, and his “special” mother, the late Ms. Nannie Capel.

Butch will forever be missed and he leaves to cherish his memory: his longtime childhood friend Wilbur Aldridge (West Haverscraw, New York), longtime friend Phyllis Scott of Oakland, California, his “special” brother and sponsor, Glen Capel, his three “special” grandchildren, Dasia, Talia and Dashaun, his trusted friend and caretaker, Cheryl Savage and a host of other close friends who were very dear to him.
A celebration of Life Service will be held Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Service Chapel. There will be no Public Viewing.

Live steaming link: https://www.youtube.com/channe/UCZ6wfy2faldC20r3TkQpsVQ/live

Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.