James Henton

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge will reward to me on that day: and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” II Timothy 4:7-8

Brother James H. Henton (Billy Ray), 80, was born November 2, 1943 to the late Johnnie B. Henton and Claudell Kirk in Leesville, LA. He peacefully departed this life on May 21, 2024 at Rosewood Nursing Home in Lake Charles, LA.

He was a Christian at an early age. He was united with True Light Missionary Baptist Church for the past thirty-two years under the leadership of Dr. Alvin J. Noel. In his years at True Light Missionary Baptist Church, he was a Sunday School teacher, and member of the Brotherhood.

He was a graduate of George Washington Carver High in 1961, as one of three valedictorians. He united in the Marine Corp as Seargent(E-5) for four years from October 28, 1961 through February 28, 1966. Then he united with the Air Force as Seargent (E-5) from March 16, 1966 to March 13, 1970. He was a professional tractor trailer, eighteen-wheeler driver for thirty years before retiring.

On June 7, 1986, he married Sharon Cooksey Henton, they were united for thirty-seven years. He was a servant of God that loved to share his wisdom and knowledge with all he would meet. He was known as Brother Tech to many people who knew him.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie B. Henton and Claudell Kirk; grandparents, Beatrice Henton and Rufus Henton, Sr.; sister, Glendell Kirk-Davis; brother, Danny Kirk.

He leaves to cherish his memories his loving and devoted wife of thirty-seven years, Sharon Cooksey Henton; children, Rosalind Henton of DeRidder, LA, Gary Henton (Veronica) of Baton Rouge, LA, Jerry Henton of DeRidder, LA, Tyrone Henton (Jenny) of DeRidder, LA, Keith Brown of Memphis, TN; sister, Sandra Butler of Baton Rouge, LA; brother, Perry Kirk of Lawton, OK; nine grandchildren, Gabrille Henton Burbank, Ebony McKnight, Gary Henton, Jr., Sheronica Henton, Sheree Henton, Kianna Marshall, Katlyn Nelson, Joshua Henton, Seth Henton; ten great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, In-Laws and friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM at True Light Missionary Baptist Church in Lake Charles, LA. Pastor Dr. Alvin J. Noel will officiate the service. Pallbearers will be Willie Jasmine, Kylon Jasmine, Sherwin Brooks, Kevin Guillory, Robert Sowell, Calvin Prudhomme. Honorary Pallbearers will be Daniel Pierre, Jr., George Bargeman, Walter Harris, Gary Joseph, Gary Henton, Jerry Henton, Tyrone Henton, Keith Brown. Burial will follow at Community Cemetery in DeRidder, LA.