COLUMBUS – Clarence Bratton Henson, 93, of Columbus, passed away Friday morning, June 30, 2023 at White Oak Manor of Tryon.

Born and raised in Lynn, he was the son of the late John Riley Henson and Lula Fisher Henson. Clarence was a proud graduate of Stearns High School and was part of the last graduating class in 1947.

Working on his own, he opened a private backhoe business and purchased the first backhoe in this area. He was hired by local municipalities and individuals to dig water and sewer lines. His work extended from Polk County to neighboring counties in South Carolina and as far away as Waynesville, N.C, Clarence moved from his private business to overseeing the Town of Columbus Public Works and eventually to the Town of Tryon Public Works where he retired as Director.

In 1996, He received awards from the North Carolina Rural Water Association. He was able to mentor many people through the years and was a well-respected supervisor. When he was not working with the town, he could be found gardening and soaking up his daily Vitamin D.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wives, Syble Head Henson and Jackie Fitzgerald Henson; son, Scott Henson; brothers, Virgil Henson, John Henson, Walter Henson and Richard Henson; sisters, Rose Henson, Fannie Henson, Alta McClure, Mildred Hipp, Genell Carter and Jane Swart.

Surviving are two daughters, Susan Henson Milner of Bridgeton, New Jersey and Sandy Henson Blackwell of Lyman, South Carolina; one grandson, Micah Milner of Norristown, Pennsylvania. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., July 11, 2023 in Polk Memorial Gardens with Reverend Danny Monroe officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations to St. Lukes Hospital Foundation through their website at stlukesnc.org or directly to St. Lukes Hospital Foundation at 89 West Mills Street, Suite B, Columbus, N.C.28722