Henry Wartham Jr.

By Staff, 04/30/20 4:13 PM

Henry Wartham Jr., 83 of Canfield, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2020. Better known as Hank, he was born September 5, 1936, to loving parents, Carrie Golden Worthy and Henry Worthy Sr. He attended Union Hill Grammar School and later moved to Chicago, Illinois at the age of 12 where he was reared by his two brothers, John and James and his guardian, Elizabeth Burrell. At the age of 18, Henry joined his brothers by enlisting into the Military where he bravely served his country in the United States Marine Corps for 4 years.

Upon returning from military life and seeing his brothers and friends driving Cadillacs, Henry was determined not to be out done. He went and purchased his first Cadillac and from then on, he was known as “Cadillac Hank” because it was all that he wanted to drive. Hank was no stranger to work. His dedication and work ethics led to him being honored by his employer, Argo Corn Products with a gold ring for 25 years of honored service, but he didn’t stop there. Hank went on to receive the gold watch, to commemorate 35 years with Argo.

After retiring and moving back to Arkansas, Hank wore many hats around the community. He was a faithful member of the Rose of Sharon #100, Chairman of Union Hill Cemetery. He organized the NAACP in Canfield. He united at the Union Hill Baptist Church in 2001 under the leadership of Rev. Tommie Law. In 2002 he became an ordained deacon. In 2010 he became chairman of the Deacon Board under the leadership of Rev. Sylvester Tatum. He was a gravel-maker at St. Mary Cemetery. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce. He was a Trustee at the Lafayette and Miller District Association. He was a Sunday school teacher at Union Hill Baptist Church. Deacon Wartham was truly dedicated to Union Hill Baptist Church. It became a mission for him to establish the increase in the congregation and to keep church doors open to Union Hill.

Henry was preceded in death by his aforementioned parents, 2 brothers: John Johnson and James Johnson, his beloved wife of 62 years, Bettie M. Chandler Wartham, whom recently passed. He leaves a legacy with his son, Rick Farrell Wartham and wife, Nedra of Lawrenceville, Georgia; grandchildren: Ricky Wartham Jr. Kaila Riley and Jerry Zachery and three great grandchildren. Henry also leaves a loving sister Mary Worthy Glover and husband, nephews, nieces, other relatives and close friends. 

There will be a Home Going Celebration for Henry at 1:00 pm., on the lawn of Union Hill Baptist Church, located at 2101 Highway 360, Lewisville(Canfield), Arkansas, Saturday, May 2, 2020, at 1:00 pm. A visitation will be held that afternoon at the church, from 12:00 – 12:45 pm. His earthly body will be laid to rest at St. Mary Cemetery in Bradley, Arkansas.

Executive Order 20-13 does not limit the number of people that can be in attendance for uncovered outside gatherings as long as the six feet social distancing guidelines as set forth by the CDC are being followed. We do ask that everyone in attendance please bring and wear appropriate facial covering at all times. Please refrain from hugs and handshakes. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in helping to keep everyone safe. Feel free to bring your lawn chairs.

Brandon’s Mortuary is entrusted with professional services. An online guestbook is available at www.brandonsmortuary.com.