Deacon Emeritus Henry Thomas Rorie Sr. was born in Wadesboro, N.C. on June 14th 1931 to Sam and Annie Bennett Rorie. He was the youngest of two sons born to the union. Harvey being two years older. Henry's father died when he was only two years old, so his mother sought employment in Winston-Salem, N.C. at the R. J. Reynolds's Tobacco Company.

Henry now affectionately known as Tom attended Columbia Heights Primary School, Columbia Heights Elementary School and was a graduate of Atkins High School. Following graduation, Tom enlisted in the US Marine Corps becoming one of the first African Americans to integrate the United States Marine Corps, being among the first black troops ever assigned to boot camp at Paris Island, South Carolina. After boot camp, he received his first stripe and became Private First Class at Cherry Point Base. Upon completion of his enlistment, Tom had earned his second stripe and the rank of Corporal.

He returned home with his wife and three children and attended college at North Carolina A&T State University "Aggie Pride." Working during the day and studying at night, he received his Bachelor's Degree and later obtained his Master's Degree in Industrial Arts.

Tom was among the first educators in the Winston-Salem/ Forsyth County Public School System to lead in the desegregation of the school system. Deacon Emeritus Rorie led as the head of the Industrial Arts Department at East Winston Junior High, later renamed John F. Kennedy Jr. High School as it opened its doors to both black and white students. He was recognized for his outstanding leadership as an educator when he was selected by the Winston-Salem/ Forsyth County School District to receive an RJ Reynolds's Scholarship to attend Ohio State University. He was also honored by being chosen as a staff member for the N.C. Governor's School, where he worked on the campus of Old Salem for seventeen years. His skills in Industrial Arts included mastery in woodworking, electricity metalworking and other sciences. In 1965 he built the showcases in the vestibule and the quality of his work is evident in the fact that they are still standing today. His handy work can also be seen in the wall of historical pictures in the hallway outside the sanctuary that he single-handedly mounted. His talents with the church did not end with woodworking, he served tirelessly as church clerk for 36 years, member of the Deacon Board for 54 years and chairman for 40 years. He began the Jacqueline Rorie Higgins Memorial Scholarship Fund in memory of his daughter, Jackie. Deacon Emeritus Rorie was a member of Olympic Lodge #795 of the brotherly Prince Hall Masons. Earlier he had been a member of King Solomon Consistory #64. Of all his accomplishments, Deacon Emeritus Rorie was most thankful for his role as husband to his wife, Lorrain and their 55 year marriage, father and grandfather to 30+ grand, great grand and great great grandchildren.

Henry Thomas Rorie Sr. departed this life on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. He was preceded in death by his wife Lorrain Rousseau Rorie whom he cared for with tremendous love and devotion; daughter, Jacqueline Rorie Higgins, son, Aaron Tyrone Wellman and brother Harvey Lee Rorie.

He is survived by son, Henry Thomas Rorie Jr. (Pam); daughter, Dr. Ramona Griffin-Noble (R.J.); six grandsons, Tremaine Rorie ( Shaketha) whom he raised, Sakieo Williams (Jessica), Henry Thomas Rorie III. Brenton Griffin (Terica) Blain Meuhead and Blake Noble, five granddaughters, Ashley Dixon (Bradley), Tamera Rorie, Lauren Griffin, Charlisa Griffin and Brooke Noble, nineteen great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren; brothers and sisters in law: Geraldine Rorie, Nettie Dixon, and James Rousseau (Jean) and a host of nieces, nephews relatives and friends.

Henry Thomas Rorie Sr.'s life exemplified Love and Commitment to God, Family, Church and His Country.

The Family will receive friends at the home Sunday, July 14, 2024 from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM. There will be no public viewing at the funeral home. Funeral service 12 PM, Monday, July 15, 2024 at Zion Memorial Baptist Church, 101 N. Dunleith Avenue, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27101. Internment Piedmont Memorial Garden.

For a copy of funeral program click here