Patrick Lee Henry, 61, of Hertford, served in the U.S. Coast Guard before owing a fishing charter. He was a volunteer fireman, aircraft pilot, and ham radio operator. Mr. Henry died Wednesday morning, July 7, 2010, in Chowan Hospital.

He was born in Bertie County, North Carolina, to Lee Stanley and Catherine Perry Henry.

He was the co-owner of the Bethel Fishing Center for the last 18 years, having previously retired from the U.S. Coast Guard after 20 years as a CPO E-7 and later working as a captain on a tugboat for Union Camp. He was a member of the Perquimans County Volunteer Rescue Squad, the Perquimans Water Rescue Team, the Bethel Volunteer Fire Department, and a former member of the volunteer rescue squad and fire department in Currituck County.

He married Mildred Ann LaPine Henry November 29, 1986.

Survivors include his wife; five daughters, Cindy LaPine of Sault Ste. Marie, Velma LaPine of Cheboygan, Cora Gugin of St. Ignace, Connie Chase of Coinjock, North Carolina, and Terry Johnson of Hertford; four sons and their families, Lawrence Gugin of Hessel, Roy Gugin of Reno, Nevada, Erick and Susan Henry of Aydlett, North Carolina, and Clifton and Amanda Henry of Hertford; a sister and her family, Alice and Alan Wilson of Ahoskie; a brother and his family, Lynn and Rose Henry of Windsor; 20 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

The family received friends at his home. Visitation was all day Friday, July 9, and Saturday morning, July 10. Services were Saturday at 11 a.m. in Swindell Funeral Chapel with Mr. T.M. “Jerry” Hall officiating. Following the service the family received friends at the Bethel Volunteer Fire Department, where food and refreshments were served.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 156, Hertford, NC 27944.