Henry Clay Robey was born on September 29, 1923, to Mordecai and Floreda B. Robey. He was baptized at Pleasant View Baptist Church, beginning a life rooted in family, perseverance, and service.

Henry received his early education in the Franklin Public School System, attending Pleasant View School, the historic African American Lincoln School, and Lincoln High School. During his high school years, athletics played an important role in student life, and Henry proudly participated as a member of the football team. These formative years helped shape the discipline, determination, and strong character that would remain with him throughout his life.

Upon graduating from high school, Henry answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army. He served during the Korean War, including time stationed at Fort Devens in Massachusetts. His military service represented an important chapter in a life marked by dedication, responsibility, and commitment.

It was in Massachusetts that Henry would meet the love of his life, JoAnne Bray Vanderhoop. The two were united in marriage on April 30, 1960 and shared a devoted life together until her passing in 2014. Their union was blessed with two sons, John and Elliot, whom they raised in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Together, Henry and JoAnne built a home filled with love, family traditions, lively conversation, and cherished memories.

A man of intelligence, ambition, and determination, Henry pursued higher education and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Fitchburg State College. He went on to establish a distinguished career with Raytheon, where he worked for well over thirty years. His professional accomplishments reflected his dedication, technical ability, and commitment to excellence, leaving a legacy of hard work and achievement for his family to admire.

Beyond his professional life, Henry found great joy in the simple pleasures that brought family and friends together. Like his siblings, he was a gifted cook who took pride in preparing the traditional dishes and beloved favorites that reminded him of home. His kitchen was more than a place to prepare a meal; it was a place where family traditions were preserved, stories were shared, and fellowship flourished.

Henry was a natural storyteller who loved sharing memories and experiences from his family life and professional career. He enjoyed lively conversations about politics and current events and was always ready for a spirited debate. His curiosity about the world, unique perspective, and engaging personality made conversations with him both memorable and meaningful. He also had a wonderful sense of humor, often joking that he looked just like Harry Belafonte—a comment that was sure to bring a smile to those around him!

Henry and JoAnne took great pleasure in opening their home to nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loved ones. Their hospitality created an atmosphere of warmth, laughter, and togetherness that endured through the years. Family was at the heart of Henry’s life, and the bonds he nurtured became an enduring part of his legacy.

Music held a special place in Henry’s heart. He appreciated the soul-stirring sounds of traditional gospel music and the timeless artistry of Sam Cooke, Jimmy Ruffin, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. His love of music was so strong that he and his sisters even formed a band, creating memories that would remain a treasured part of their family history.

In later years, Henry and JoAnne enjoyed taking trips to the casino with family, hoping fortune would smile upon them at the slot machines. These outings provided opportunities for laughter, companionship, and the enjoyment of life's lighter moments.

Some of Henry’s most treasured experiences were his trips back home to Franklin and Louisville. Each return was met with the warmth and affection reserved for a beloved family patriarch. Sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, and relatives both young and old would gather at a sibling’s home, and before long, an ordinary visit would blossom into an impromptu family reunion. There would be plenty of food, drinks, laughter, storytelling, picture taking and fellowship. These gatherings reflected the deep roots Henry maintained throughout his life and the enduring love that connected generations of the Robey family.

On Thursday, October 16, 2026, Henry Clay Robey peacefully departed this life at the Jamaica Plain Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Though his earthly journey has ended, the memories he created, the wisdom he shared and the traditions he upheld will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Henry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, JoAnne; his parents, Mordecai and Floreda B. Robey; and ten of his siblings: Roscoe, Hezekiah, James, Phillip, Doris, Magareed, Gladys, Mildred, Helen, and Frances.

He leaves to cherish his memory his two sons, John Robey (Judith) of Brockton, Massachusetts, and Elliot Robey (Karen) of Williamsburg, Virginia; his grandchildren, Elijah, Gabriel, Olivia, Michael and Jeremy; his sister, Shirley Edison of Louisville, Kentucky; his cousin, affectionately known as “Buddy” Robey of Franklin, Kentucky; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, neighbors, and friends from Kentucky to Boston to Martha’s Vineyard.

Henry Clay Robey lived a long and meaningful life, distinguished by service to his country, professional achievement, devotion to family, and a deep appreciation for the traditions that bind generations together. His life was a testament to perseverance, family pride, and the enduring power of love and fellowship.

Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy will remain in the stories retold, the meals shared, the music remembered, and the family gatherings that continue in he, his parents and his siblings’ honor. May his memory forever be a blessing and may those who loved him find comfort in knowing that a life so richly lived leaves an imprint that time can never erase.

Family and friends invited to attend visiting hours on Thursday, October 29th from 10am-12pm in the Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington Street, Dorchester Lower Mills.

Funeral service will follow at 12 noon in the Funeral Home.

Interment at a later date in Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.