Henry Lee Bean, Jr.

Henry Lee Bean, Jr. of Sharpsburg, GA, passed away on Wednesday, September 27, 2023. He was born to the late Henry Lee Bean, Sr. and Dorothy May Bean in Okolona, MS, on April 29, 1946. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Benny Bean (Jane) and Donny Bean (Marcie). Henry was the eldest son of a sharecropper and, during his formative years, was affectionately known as "Fella" to his family and friends. He enlisted in the Air Force at 18 and would discover the world beyond Mississippi with his first assignment at Albrook AFB in Panama. Not long after, he would meet his future wife, Linda, and four years later, he would attend Mississippi State University and be the first in his family line to graduate from college. Henry returned to Active Duty in the Air Force as a missile launch officer in 1972, transitioned to accounting and finance in the ensuing years, and would later retire after 20 years of service. Hank's career would continue for the next 23 years with the U.S. Department of Labor. He completed his time there as Deputy Regional Administrator for the SE region while aiding America's veterans as they transitioned to civilian work and ensuring that their employment rights were protected. When he wasn't working, you would often find Henry with a camera in hand. He had a passion for photography and all things aviation. He carried his Nikon everywhere and loved to travel. But above all things, Henry treasured family, and it was so evident in the way he lit up at the prospect of time spent with loved ones. As the eldest of four brothers, caretaking came naturally and was apparent in so much of what he did. You could find the Bean stubbornness and fiery nature in Hank, but at his core, he was a peacekeeper with a gentle heart who always strove to stay in contact with his family, spread far and wide. He was an amazing father who led by example with a quiet wisdom, a soft smile, and a good dose of humor. He adored his son-in-law and grandchildren and was so loved and respected in turn. His love was fierce but tender, his comfort was constant, his generosity knew no bounds. Henry is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Linda (Rager) Bean; his daughter, Barb Morykwas (husband Michael) of Tulsa, OK; grandchildren Rowan and Keir; brother, Robert Bean of Powder Springs, GA; sisters-in-law Jane Bean of Opelika, AL and Marcie Bean of Crestwood, KY. "Our world is diminished because he is gone. But it is still a better place because he was here." Condolences may be expressed online at www.mckoon.com McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory 770-253-4580

Henry Lee Bean, Jr.

April 29, 1946 - September 27, 2023