Carey Henley

Carey E. Henley, known as "Coach", 76, of Chattanooga, passed away Monday, April 15, 2013, at his home in East Ridge. He was born in West Point, Miss. to the late W.L. "Bud" Henley and Annie Rea Berry Henley.After graduating from West Point High School in 1955, Carey moved to Chattanooga to attend the University of Chattanooga where he played football and earned the honor of Little All-American. Carey earned a BS degree from UC and a Masters degree from Middle Tennessee State University. He served two years in the U.S. Marine Corp and played football for Camp Lejune. After graduating from UC in 1962, he played a season in the American Football League with the Buffalo Bills before returning to Chattanooga where he played and coached on the semi-pro football team, the Chattanooga Cherokees. Carey began his teaching and coaching career at Kirkman Technical High School and went on to teach and coach at Brainerd and Tyner High Schools as well during his 30 year career. As the head football coach and athletic director at each of his three schools, he mentored and cared about each player and student.Since retiring from Chattanooga Public Schools, he spent the last 22 years working at WindStone Golf Course. Always a people person, this was a perfect fit for him, and he truly enjoyed talking to everyone and sharing stories, including many of time spent with his two young grandsons. His other hobbies included playing golf and dominoes with friends.Carey is survived by his wife of 51 years, Betty "Susie" Light Henley; daughter, Cara Henley Plugge and husband, Russell Plugge, of Marietta, Ga.; grandsons, Luke and Cole Plugge; and his cousins in Mississippi.He was a member of Jones Memorial United Methodist Church, American Legion Post 95, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Athletic Hall of Fame.A graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at Chattanooga National Cemetery with the Rev. Larry Dial officiating.The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. today at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 404 S. Moore Road,In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Jones Memorial United Methodist Church, 4131 Ringgold Road, Chattanooga, TN 37412; Orange Grove Center designated for the Sharon Thorn Music Center, 615 Derby St., Chattanooga, TN 37404, or a charity of your choice.Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com.