Henry Lovejoy

Henry (Hank) Lovejoy, 86, passed away Monday, March 25, 2024, at his residence in Fairfield. Henry was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, and was the son of Frank and Flora Mae (Lovejoy) Washington. He was the third eldest of eight children, four boys and four girls.

Henry has always been an industrious family man. As a youth, he worked as a paper carrier and as a clerk in Nelson Grocery Store. Shortly after graduating from A.H. Parker High School, Henry joined the US Air Force and served for eight years working as a truck and aircraft mechanic, earning the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award during his service. After honorably separating from the US Air Force, Henry spent the rest of his career working as an aircraft mechanic and electrician in the civil service; retiring after 40 years of employment.

A lover of sports, he was an avid golfer, 49ER Fan, member of the three hundred Bowler's club, past president of the Friday Night Mix Four Bowling League and a Lifetime Tri City Elks Lodge 1662 Member. He enjoyed being the center of attention. He was witty and never met a stranger. He loved dancing, singing and listening to jazz and R&B music. His favorite foods were hamburgers and pork chops. He was a car and airplane enthusiast and loved spending time with family. Henry gave his life to Christ at an early age and remained true to his faith.

While enlisted in the US Air Force Henry met and married Chung Soon Park in 1950, who passed away several years later. To this union were born two children; son, Donald Lovejoy (Park), and daughter (name unknown) who passed away shortly after birth. In 1971, Henry met Pat Wiggins. To this union were born two daughters: Melaniece and Nakita Lovejoy. Then in May of 1980, Henry married his wife of 43 years, Shelia (Long) Lovejoy. To this union was born a son, Henry Lovejoy Jr., and a bonus son Michael Verissimo. Henry had a soft spot for his furry friends, Tina Marie, and Lacey, treating each like the valuable family member they were. You would often find Tina Marie in tow wherever Henry went.

Henry is preceded in death by his parents Frank and Flora Washington, brothers Clarence "Sonny" Lovejoy, Eddie Eugene Lovejoy and sister Dorothy Mae Taylor. He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Shelia (Long) Lovejoy; his daughters, Melaniece Lovejoy White (Donald), Nakita Harris (Richard); his sons Henry Lovejoy Jr. (Sherone), Donald Lovejoy, Michael Verissimo; Siblings, Mary Kelley, Barbara Lomax, Flora Jean Sanders, Melvin Lovejoy (Ella); grandchildren, Jamarri Lovejoy, Savannah Harris, Landon Harris, Henry Lovejoy III, Marisa Verissimo, Amierah (Mimi) White and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many close friends.