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March 18, 2002
For Immediate Release
Contact: Steve Richardson

Hall of Famer's career spanned 46 years

LEGENDARY WRITER ORVILLE
HENRY PASSES AWAY AT 77

Legendary sportswriter Orville Henry died Saturday night at his home in Malvern, Ark., of pancreatic cancer. Mr. Henry was the sports editor for the Arkansas Gazette for 46 years and later was a columnist for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and the Stephens Media Group (including The Morning News of Northwest Arkansas).

Orville Henry

Henry was named Arkansas Sportswriter of the Year eight times and was the first print journalist to be elected into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. He also was a past president of the Football Writers Association of America and most recently the recipient of the FWAA's 2002 Bert McGrane Award for lifetime service to the organization.

Henry was recently honored by the University of Arkansas with the establishment of the Orville Henry Press Row in the football press box of Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. He also was recognized as a "Difference Maker" in the development of the Razorback athletic program. In November, a monument celebrating his contributions was dedicated as part of the Razorback Honors Plaza, located in front of the Broyles Athletic Center.

Henry is survived by his wife, Ann, five sons, five daughters, two sisters, two brothers and 14 grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held this Saturday March 23 at 2 p.m. at the Little Rock Central High School Auditorium.

The family asked that donations be sent, in lieu of flowers, to the Hot Spring County Hospice, a branch of the Arkansas Department of Health at 2204 East Sullenberger, Malvern, AR 72104 or the Little Rock Central Foundation.