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Reuben “Henry” Thigpen, age 88, a long term resident of Vero Beach passed away on November 2, 2017.
Henry was born in Greenville, Madison County, Florida on October 23 1929; son to Andrew Jackson and Ruby Letchworth Thigpen and step-son of Alpha Thigpen.
Henry’s family moved to the Madison County area around 1858 and Henry was one of the fourth generation of Thigpens in Florida. Henry spent his young life in Greenville Florida where his father was a farmer and he never lost his love of working in the garden. After serving his country in the U.S. Army Henry met and married Betty Jean Howard in 1952 in Vero Beach, Florida. On October 17, 2017 they celebrated 65 years of marriage. They are members of Genesis Baptist Church
While raising a family in Vero Beach Henry was employed as a mechanic by the Vero Beach Ice Plant, Vero Beach Power Plant, Piper Aircraft, Greene’s Gas, Vero Beach Gas and the School District of Indian River County.
Henry is predeceased by brothers: Riley Thigpen, Charles Jackson (C.J.) Thigpen, and sisters: Mae Thigpen, Mattie Ruth Thigpen Ivey Kendall and Inez Elliott.
Henry leaves behind his wife Betty Jean Howard Thigpen, sons: Ronnie Howard (Susan) Thigpen, Henry Scott Thigpen, his daughters: Jean Ann Thigpen Longcore and Vickie Thigpen; Nine grandchildren, Twelve great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren; brothers, Lonnie Clarence Thigpen and Edward Eugene Thigpen and a sister, Thelma Norris.
The family will greet friends from 1-2 p.m., Saturday, November 11, 2017 with a 2 p.m. Celebration of Life service to follow, at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home, 1655 27th Street, Vero Beach.
A reception is planned following the service at the Grove Isle River’s Edge Clubhouse (680 Grove Isle Circle, Vero Beach FL 32962).
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Vero Beach VNA Hospice, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach FL 32960.
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