Henry Robert Futch, 76, of Sparks passed away Monday March 4, 2019 at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, FL.  He was the son of the late William Gary Futch  and the late Luedelle Graves Futch Harnage.

In his earlier years he was employed at Production Plating in Adel.  For the last 50 years, Henry was employed with the Adel News Tribune and worked closely with his sidekick - A. J. Atkins - printing the Adel News Tribune and various other newspapers.  Henry saw many changes in the printing industry from headliners to computers and developing film to straight-to-plate.

Henry has been a member of First Assembly of God in Adel for several years where he turned his life over to Jesus Christ.  He served on the Deacon Board and was a Sunday School teacher for many years.

Walking in the woods, fishing and spending time with his family were the things Henry enjoyed most.  He loved to go out on his pontoon boat on the Chattahoochee River, whether it be fishing or just boat riding.  He most always had something to say and would joke about anything.  He always had "an excuse" for everything.   In younger years he was a typical boy.  He would put chickens bones in his sisters glass of tea, make out like he didn't do it so his daddy would make one sister sit on the front steps and another sister on the back steps.  He was a generous giver - giving to those in need- whether it be food or whatever the need and always with a loving, caring heart and expecting nothing in return.

For the last year and a half of his life, Henry had been battling Cryptococcus pneumonia, having been in Tift Regional Hospital, South Georgia Medical Center, Mayo in Jacksonville, and was recently in Shands Hospital in Gainesville, FL.  The doctors told Henry he had a "complicated case."  With all the lab work (and Henry told some of the lab techs they needed to go to the next room and get that person's blood), X-Rays, CT scans, MRI's, PET scans, broncoscopy, endoscopy, colonoscopy and all the other many things working against him, the Doctors finally said, "We have done everything we know to do, and we don't know what else to do."  Knowing that Henry was so tired and weak, his family honored his wishes to go be with his Lord and Savior - Jesus Christ.  Henry had an army of prayer warriors, and every prayer was most definitely appreciated.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years: Rosa Baldree Futch; one son and daughter-in-law Jody and Becky Futch of Sparks, GA; one daughter and son-in-law: Sabrina and Mike Lindsey of Adel; 5 grandchildren: Nicole (Adrian) Garcia of Knoxville, TN, Erika (John) Van Houten of Sparks, GA, Lee (Courtney) Pearce of Adel, GA, Austin (Stevie) Pearce of Sparks, GA and Torey (Courtney) Lindsey of St. Petersburg, FL; 3 great grandchildren: Dawn Beckham, Ava Pearce and Calvin Lindsey; 1 brother: John (Hazel) Futch of Lakeland, GA; 3 sisters: Betty (Tommy) McClain of Adel, GA, Nita (Terry) Atchison of Georgetown, GA and Marie (David) Newbern of Sparks, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He is also sadly missed by his dog "Red."  Henry was preceded in death by his parents an 1 brother: William Futch.

Funeral services will be held Friday March 8, 2019 at 2 PM in the First Assembly of God, 601 Massee Post Road in Adel.  Visitation will be Thursday March 7, from 5-8 PM at Lovein Funeral Home in Nashville, GA.  Burial will follow in Brushy Creek Cemetery in Sparks, GA.  The Rev. Gary James, Rev. Jody Futch and Rev. Eric Gordon will officiate.  New Tradition will sing "O Come Angel Band," "Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me," and "If I could Just Touch the Hem of His Garment."  Becky Futch will sing "Daddy's Hands."

Honorary pallbearers will be: A.J. Atkins, Robby Davis, Harold Rentz, Randal Pittman and Gary Cooksey.  Active pallbearers will be: Ralph Nava, Darryl McClain, Walter Jagemann, Stacey Hamner, Chris Newbern and Jeff Gandy.