Henry Laverne Rye, age 94, of Clarksville, passed away Sunday, July 2, 2017, at Houston County Community Hospital. 

Henry was born April 26, 1923, in Clarksville, TN, to the late William Henry Rye and Mary Elizabeth Burney Rye. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Van D. Rye and Ray T. Rye; one sister, Virgie Rye Roe; and one grandson, Tyler Chance Overstreet. 

Survivors include his wife, Myrtle Vaughan Rye; son, Len (Melessa) Rye; three daughters, Sherry (Mike) Paschall, Janice Rye, and Patty Rye; six grandchildren, Leonard (Rebecca) Rye, Michael (Nicole) Rye, Michiel Paschall, Morgan Paschall, Caitlyn Overstreet, and Logan Cardin; and two great grandchildren, Emma Kathryn Rye and Henry Gibson Rye. 

Henry was a World War II veteran, where he participated in the European Theater, earning a Distinguished Unit Badge, Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and a Purple Heart with one Oak Leaf Cluster as part of his distinguished service. He completed his higher education at the University of Tennessee and Austin Peay State University before entering his lifetime profession as a Public Accountant. He served in various leadership roles as a member of Madison Street United Methodist Church and a member of the Willard Blue Class, Clarksville Little League, Clarksville Swim Association, an other community organizations. He was a quiet father with a gentle spirit that was truly a reflection of his godliness.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Thursday, July 6, at 1:00 PM, at the Chapel of Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, July 5, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, and Thursday, July 6, from 11:00 AM until the hour of service, at the funeral home. 

Pallbearers will be Mark Fletcher, CB Fletcher, Leonard Rye, Michael Rye, Michiel Paschall, and Mike Paschall. Honorary pallbearers will be Logan Cardin and members of the Willard Blue Class at Madison Street United Methodist Church. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rye Family Scholarship Fund at Austin Peay State University, 601 College Street, Clarksville, TN 37044. 

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Tosha Self, Destinee Lamberth, LaTonya Turner, Sarah Turnley, Sharon Dedmon, and Tennessee Quality Home Health Care for their support. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madion Street, Clarksville, TN 37040; (931) 645-6488. Online condolences may be made at www.nealtarpleyparchman.com. 

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