Henry Shadrick

Celebration of Life for Henry F. Shadrick

Sunrise: June 13, 1942

Sunset: June 12, 2024

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." Psalm 116:15

Henry F. Shadrick, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2024 with his loving family by his bedside-- one day shy of his 82nd birthday.

Henry was born to Reverend William and Loxie Shadrick in Hodge, Louisiana on June 13, 1942. He was preceded in death by one brother, Johnny Shadrick, and his sister, Shirley Zeno.

As a young child growing up in the segregated South, Henry was shielded and protected by his parents, devoted teachers, and members of his beloved rural community. This community of support nurtured him and instilled wonderful values, enabling him to become the fine gentleman he was. He valued helping others, being responsible, being respectful, being dependable, being diligent, and operating with utmost integrity. As astute young man, Henry learned very early in his life the importance of working hard.

As a pastor’s kid, Henry grew up in the church and devoted his life to Christ early in his youth. During the time of his passing, he was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church in Albany, NY. There he served as President of the Usher Board. He served with great dedication, grace and a cheerful heart!

Henry attended Grambling College (later Grambling State University) in Grambling, LA and majored in finance and accounting. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam conflict and received several medals, including the Purple Heart, for his service. Upon returning home, he completed his degree at Grambling.

Upon completing his studies, Henry joined the General Electric Financial Management Program which led to his fast-tracked professional development in the company. Later Henry and three other men partnered to establish Genium Publishing where he served as Vice President and Comptroller. The organization produced technical publishing books and safety data sheets, along with other materials.

Henry met and married the love of his life, Betty Patterson. in 1970. From this union came two sons, Erik Fanon Shadrick of Guilderland, NY and Sean Fitzgerald Shadrick of Troy, NY.

Henry has always been active in his community, having been one of the co-founders of the Albany District 369th Veterans Association, Inc. He was instrumental in ensuring a monument for Henry Johnson, a black soldier who had received France's highest honor for valor, the Croix De Guerre, but was not recognized by his own country. Henry was a member Sigma Pi Phi, the oldest African American Greek-Letter graduate-level fraternity, also known as the Boulé; he served as Treasure with excellence and integrity as a member of the Beta Psi Boulé in the Capital District of New York.  In his pastime, Henry was a passionate golfer and a member of Top Fliters Golf League. He was proud of his two hole-in-ones and the numerous trophies he earned for his accomplishments on the golf course.

Henry is survived by his loving and devoted wife of more than 53 years, Dr. Betty Patterson Shadrick. and his sons, Erik Fanon (Albany, NY) and Sean Fitzgerald (Troy, NY). Also left to cherish his memory are two sisters, Darlene Gelin of Smithtown, NY and Agnes S. Westmaas of St. James, NY. Numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends will also miss Henry dearly. He will be remembered for his kindness, gentle spirit, warm and rich smile, and devotion to service of others. R.I.P 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Henry Shadrick, please visit our floral store.