Arlie Henninger

Arlie Douglas Henninger, 75, passed peacefully into the presence of his Savior on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. Gaylyn, his devoted wife of 53 years, and his loving daughter, Nancy, were at his side.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at New Hope Baptist Church in Beaufort. The service will be livestreamed at www.noefs.org. 

In his youth, Arlie spent his time adventuring around down east with special friends, Darryl Chadwick, Frankie Cruz, and Darriel Pierce. They could be found duck hunting, poling around Brown’s Island or causing mischief over at Atlantic Beach. A graduate of ECHS class of ‘68, Arlie went on to study Instrumentation Technology at Cape Fear Technical Institute and earned an associate’s degree. Arlie had an adventurous spirit and dreamed of traveling the world. He spent time working for the Naval Oceanographic Office surveying the bottom of the ocean in the Arctic and Japan. Arlie met the love of his life, Gaylyn, at a Christmas Party in 1971 at Frankie Cruz’s house, introduced by Darryl Chadwick. They married 6 months later and settled comfortably into family life.

Arlie was a devoted family man and doting father. The family traveled extensively coast to coast as Arlie worked in construction management and electrical engineering on many coal, hydroelectric and nuclear power plants. Even though Arlie’s work took him away from home, and even out of the country frequently, he maintained loving relationships with his family and friends. Arlie always prioritized loving and providing for his family. He wrote Gaylyn poems when he was away and made special trips home to attend the boys’ basketball games. By the time Arlie retired he had realized his dream of traveling the world- having lived and worked in the Philippines, India and China.

Arlie was a man of strong faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was known for his gentle spirit and kindness to all. Arlie professed faith in Christ from his teen years and attended Marshallberg Baptist Church. He did an excellent job of passing on his beliefs on to his children and grandchildren. He lived a Christ honoring life and prayed with his children, read the Bible to them, and took them regularly to church. Arlie did mission work in his travels and also taught Sunday school. After retirement he attended New Hope Baptist Church in Beaufort and attended faithfully until his health failed.

In retirement Arlie returned home to Carteret County, which had always been the goal. He and Gaylyn settled in on Harkers Island right around the corner from Nancy and some of the grandkids. He kept chickens for Gaylyn, frequently went to Cox’s with grandkids in tow, and enjoyed sitting on the porch eating apples. When his health failed, Arlie was lovingly cared for by his wife, daughter and her family in his final days. God’s grace and mercy over Arlie were evident in his death, which was quick and peaceful. His memory will be cherished, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was survived by his wife, of 53 years, Gaylyn Henninger of Harkers Island; son, Kenny Henninger and wife, Stephanie of Johnstown, PA; daughter, Nancy Garland and husband, Chandler of Harkers Island; son, Nathan Henninger and wife, Marissa of San Diego, CA; nine grandchildren, Carlie Ansel and husband, Ben of Newport; Anne-Marie Crespo and husband, Austin of State College, PA; Katherine Sorchilla and husband, Tyrus of Johnstown, PA; Brent Balak of Johnstown, PA; Ruby Henninger of Johnstown, PA; Abigail Martin and husband, Sean of Cherry Branch, NC; Madison Makin of Indiana, PA; Chandler Douglas Garland of Harkers Island; Silas Garland of Harkers Island; Avery Henninger of San Diego, CA; six great grandchildren: Alice, Nathanael, Josephine, Myla, Magnolia, and Lakelyn; sister, Patricia Holcombe of Gloucester, NC; sister-in-law, Dollie Henninger of Beaufort; sister-in-law, Cheryll Gill of Harkers Island; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenny and Pat Henninger; two sisters, Grace Lewis and Mary Powers; brother, Kenny Boy Henninger.

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noefs.net

Arrangements by Noe Funeral Service, Inc. of Beaufort, NC.