Henry Raymond Sollers of Forney, Texas, passed away on August 24, 2009 in Forney, Texas. Henry was born on January 16, 1933 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to the late Robert and Nellie (Myers) Williams.

A 1950 Kermit High School Graduate, Henry attended college at Howard Payne College, where he met his lifetime companion, Charlotte Smith. He graduated with a Bachelors and a Masters degree in Education. While at Howard Payne,

Henry was an “All-American” football player on the final scholarship-funded Conference Championship Team and reigned as Heavyweight Golden Gloves and Collegiate Boxing Champion.

In 1955, Henry was drafted to the Baltimore Colts, but decided to go into coaching instead. He had a very successful coaching career that lasted seventeen years. While coaching, Henry rebuilt many football programs and became known as the coach who was able to win where no one else could.

After a successful coaching career, Henry went on to be a tremendous influence upon students’ lives throughout Texas by serving on both the National and World Counsels on Vocational Education and as High School Principal at several schools. As a Superintendent, he continued his tradition of successful school leadership.

Mr. Sollers left the Education field upon the loss of his youngest son, Jim, in 1992. He continued to serve as a Mentor and Supervisor of Student Teachers for the University of Texas System for many years. In 1999 he returned to live out his latter years with his wife in Forney.

Henry was a long time Mason and active in Brooklyn Lodge AF&AM and also a Scottish Rite Mason. He was a Charter member of the Forney Lions Club and created the Forney High School Scholarship program while he was principal at Forney High School.

He was an expert in Track and Field rules and served as an official for both the University of Texas and the UIL State Track Meet for over 30 years.

Henry will be remembered by the difference his influence made upon the thousands of students’ lives he has touched across the state of Texas.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Nellie Williams and one son, James Ray Sollers.

Those left to celebrate his life are his wife of 52 years, Charlotte Sollers of Forney, Texas; one son, Robert Sollers of Italy, Texas, who follows in his father’s shoes as a High School Football Coach; one boxer, Zeus of Forney, Texas; as well as numerous aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews. Services will be August 29, 2009 at 2:00 pm at the First Baptist Church in Forney, Texas. Anderson-Clayton Bros. Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Commemorative gifts in Memory of Henry Sollers may be sent to: Office of University Advancement, Howard Payne University, PO Box 2369, Brownwood, TX 76804 or send an email to [email protected]