Phillip R. Henson passed away Thursday, December 8 ^th at Brookwood Baptist Hospital in Birmingham at the age of 81.

He leaves his wife of 62 years, Bonnie Ballard Henson. He is also survived by his son, Scott Phillip Henson (Karen); his daughter, Cindy Henson Young (Mike); his granddaughters, Sarah Beth Henson Clark (Brandon), Katherine "Katie" Henson, Anna Young, Kaylie Young, and Holly Young; his great-grandson, Jackson Clark; his sister, Cora Ann Singleton (Tommy), and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Marvin "June," Roy, and Ralph.

He was born December 20, 1934 in Walker County, Alabama, the son of the late Marvin and Marie Smith Henson. From childhood, he went by the nickname "Big Boy." He attended Minor High School, where he met his future wife, Bonnie. They married in 1954 at Mulga Baptist Church.

After high school, he worked at U.S. Steel in Birmingham before serving in the U.S. Army, from 1958 to 1960. After the service, he was supervisor for the Traffic Engineering Department, City of Birmingham for 30 years.

Phil enjoyed golfing with friends and coin collecting. He loved to travel with his long-time friend Dave Lather and his late wife, Pauline. He had a special interest in genealogy and leaves behind invaluable work in the study of family history. Most of all, he loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandson, as well as his cat, Stranger.

Visitation will be held Saturday, December 10 ^th at 11:00 a.m., with funeral service at 12:00 Noon at Bell Funeral Home, Forestdale. Burial will be at Highland Memorial Gardens.