Mr. Robert James Henley

Robert “Bob” Henley was born on August 15, 1939, in Isola, Mississippi, to Leola Henley White. He passed away on July 28, 2026 at the age of 86 years. In April 1945, he moved to Saginaw, Michigan, where he was raised and educated in the Saginaw Public School system. He graduated from Saginaw High School with the Class of 1957. During his school years, Bob was actively involved in both athletics and music. He competed in track and field and cross country, and sang in the A cappella Choir and the Boys Glee Club. Bob married Cosetta Brown, and together they had three children: Craig Alan, Brian Mitchell, and Lisa Michelle. He later married Helen Davis Moore, with whom he shared many happy years until her passing in 2021. Bob proudly served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve from July 20, 1957, to August 26, 1961. He served as a rifleman with the 51st Rifle Company and was honorably discharged. Following his military service, Bob began a distinguished career with Saginaw Steering Gear Division, GM. He became the first African American employee to graduate from the company's apprenticeship training program, earning his journeyman's card as an industrial electrician. Over his 34½-year career, he also worked in the Electrical Engineering Department and served as a Maintenance Supervisor before retiring in 1998. Bob had a deep love for the outdoors and lived an active life. He enjoyed jogging, fishing, hunting, golfing, and skiing. An avid ski racer, he competed in NASTAR events and earned several medals over the years. He skied at many of Michigan's resorts and was fortunate to experience the slopes of Steamboat, Colorado. As a proud member of the Umoja Ski Club, he found great joy in both the sport and the friendships it brought. Bob will be remembered for his pioneering spirit, dedication to family, strong work ethic, and passion for life. Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Brian (Christina) Henley; Scott (Christine) Gower; and son-in-law, Mark Rollins. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Jennifer (Christopher) McKinney; grandsons, Garrett Gower, Hayden Gower, Daniel Henley, and Jacob Henley; great-grandson, Aiden McKinney; and great-granddaughter, Madison McKinney. Bob also leaves behind two brothers-in-law, Floyd Davis and Jerome Davis; two sisters-in-law, Dr. Carolyn Jackson and Jacklyn Kinsey; many nieces, nephews, Bethel AME Church family, and dear friends who enriched his life, including Willie “Bud” Butler, William “Bill” Martin, Travis Jones, Bernard Graham, Herman Scott, William “Sonny” Hodges, and James “Jim” Woolfolk. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Davis Moore Henley; mother, Leola Henley White; two children, Craig Henley and Lisa Rollins; brother, Herbert Charles; sisters, Helen, Easter Marie, and Oralee Bryant. He was also preceded in death by his beloved aunts, Annie Kate, Lou Erma Dotson, Ruth Washington, and Mamie, and his uncles, Dan Jr. and James. Family hour will take place at 10:00 a.m., with the funeral service commencing at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 10, 2026, at Bethel AME Church, 535 Cathay St., Saginaw, MI 48601. Dr. Rev. Dennis Laffoon will officiate. Interment will take place in Forest Lawn Cemetery, 3210 S. Washington Ave., Saginaw, MI 48601. Visitation will take place from 9:00 .m. until the time of the service.

Mr. Robert James Henley

August 15, 1939 - July 28, 2026