Teddy Joe Henley, of Amarillo and Southeast Texas, died Saturday evening, August 16, 2014, at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, from complications following a difficult surgery for cancer. Ted was born to Jim and Ruby Henley in Amarillo on April 4, 1937, and began his professional career as a City of Amarillo police officer following in his dad’s footsteps as a municipal public servant. Jim Henley served as fire chief of Amarillo. Ted achieved the rank of detective before returning to college to garner two additional degrees and embark on a teaching career.

Ted excelled as a teacher and built a wonderful rapport with his students, many of whom he has followed throughout their careers. He found great joy in the statewide VICA program (now SKILLS USA) and was proud of two students that achieved the honor of state president for the large organization. Because of his work in these programs, officials with the Texas Education Agency invited Ted to work in Austin and throughout his beloved State of Texas. He retired from the agency and moved to the coast.

Ted is survived by his wife, Brenda Cannon Henley and an extended blended family. His children, Cindy Henley Huisman, Christine Henley Buckingham, and Darrell Henley are joined by Brenda’s children, DeAnna Stancil Davis, John Brent Stancil, and Nikki Stancil Jones; and daughters, Stephanie Lemon Taylor and Chelsea Lemon Biggs in grieving for the loss of Papa Ted. Ted has a host of grandchildren, nieces and nephews and cousins. Ted also leaves behind cherished lifelong friends, Bryan and Barbara Scott.

Ted is preceded in death by his brother, George, his mom and dad, Jim and Ruby, and his beloved sister, Martha Henley Ladd.

Funeral services will be held in Beaumont and Amarillo.

The family will receive guests from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., Monday, August 18, 2014, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, August 19, 2014, at Broussard’s, Beaumont. A celebration of life will be held at Boxwell Brothers in Amarillo on Friday, August 22, 2014. Visitation with the family will be held Thursday evening, August 21, 2014.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes to honor Papa Ted with contributions to a cause he loved – Court Appointed Special Advocates, 2120 Gloria Drive, Orange, Texas 77630, where his daughter serves as executive director.

The cowboy rode away in dignity and amazing grace.