Henderson Henry Piper Jr.

Henderson Henry Piper Jr. of Wilmer, Alabama, passed away on June 15, 2023, surrounded by family and friends. Henry was born on April 20, 1940, in Selma, Alabama to Nell Gillis Watters and lovingly raised by his stepfather Odis Watters. During his childhood, he loved riding horses and swimming whenever he could. While in high school, he served as captain of the debate team at Albert G. Parrish High School. After graduation, he was honored to join the United States Navy and served four years traveling the world. After returning to Selma, he met and married Ruby Lee Summerlin and started a family. He had hopes of attending law school, which led him to Mobile, Alabama. He attended the University of South Alabama, where he graduated in 1972 with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and criminal justice. Unable to attend law school, he entered a lifelong career in sales. In 1976, he attended Wilmer Baptist Church and was saved and baptized. He served in various leadership positions over the years and loved his church. Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Nell and Odis Watters; siblings Richard Piper, Raymond Piper, Clarence Piper and Shirley Baggett; son, David Piper; and his wife of 57 years, Ruby Summerlin Piper. He is survived by his daughter Tracy Piper Duke (Richard) of Wilmer, son Phillip Piper (Kim) of Mobile, and daughter Toni Piper Moore (Coy) of Fairhope, his nine grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Henry wanted to give special acknowledgements to his “daughter” Cherise Hoffman and her husband, Todd, and his dear friends Roy Pearce and TJ Averett. He enjoyed the time they spent with him and their loving acts of service in his last years. Our family would like to thank Sara Woods for her special care of both Mom and Dad. Funeral services will be held at Wilmer Baptist Church on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, with Reverend Terry Glasscock officiating. Visitation with friends is at 10am, with service starting at 11am. Interment will immediately follow the service at Wilmer Cemetery. Pallbearers will include his grandsons Jonathan Duke, Justin Piper, Cory Piper, Evan Moore, Zac Piper, Dustin Curtis, and Dalton Sirmon. Honorary pallbearers include Roy Pearce, TJ Averett, and Todd Hoffman.

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Henderson Henry Piper Jr.

April 20, 1940 - June 15, 2023