Henry Hillbrath Wentz

Henry Hillbrath Wentz, 96, of Raleigh, NC, passed away peacefully on November 2nd, 2023, at home surrounded by his family.

He was born February 20th, 1927, in Rockingham, NC, the second son of Walter Allen Wentz and Carolyn Marguerite Hillbrath. He graduated from Rockingham High School and was drafted into the Army. He was stationed in Germany at the end of WWII. After his military service, he received a degree in Business Administration from Elon College.

Henry met his wife, Ella Mae Morgan, at Elon and they were married June 30th, 1951. They were married over 71 years and were blessed with two sons; Hank, David, and a daughter, Judy.

Henry worked in insurance for Prudential for over 30 years, retiring in the early 90’s. He was an active member of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church for over 60 years teaching both adult and children Sunday School classes. He was a devout Christian and read the entire bible every year after retirement. During his retirement, he read hundreds of books, enjoyed socializing with community members, and volunteering. Henry had strong family values and enjoyed visits from his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. For many years he took the family on an annual weeklong vacation at Emerald Isle, NC. He always supported his family. Many knew Henry as “The Candy Man” as he never left the house without some hard candies in his pocket to give to those in the community. Henry never knew a stranger and had a large group of close friends.

Henry is survived by his loving wife, Ella Mae, sons Hank (Debbie) and David Wentz, son-in-law Scott Gordley, grandchildren Sayer (Sean) Brosnahan, Geena (Preston) Keyes, Jill, and Justine Gordley, and great-grandchildren Anora Brosnahan and Weston Keyes. He has one surviving sister, Mary “Lib” McDougald, and many nieces and nephews.

Henry is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Judy, one brother (Reverand Walter Allen Wentz Jr.), one sister (Helen “Jo” Carr), and one stepsister (Virginia West).

There will be a service held at 1 p.m. on November 18th, at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church at 714 E Whitaker Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church.