Thomas Russell Henninger, 85, peacefully left his earthly home on Saturday, February 20, 2021, surrounded in love by those who cared so deeply for him. Although very saddened by the loss of someone so very precious to us – husband, dad, papa, brother, uncle and friend – we know his many years of steadfast faith welcomed him into the arms of the Lord Jesus Christ and all those who have gone before that loved him as well. Born in Girard, Ohio, to Russell Henninger and Bessie Seidler, Tom and his twin brother, Joe, were adopted and raised by their grandparents, Joseph and Mary Henninger. From the time he was 9 years old, he was the neighborhood newspaper boy for many years, which he often said taught him a good work ethic. Upon graduating from high school and working in the leather mill for a year, he served his country in the U.S. Army at Vint Hill Farms in Warrenton, Virginia for 3 years. After discharge from the U.S. Army, he graduated with a B.S. in Math from Youngstown State University and began his career working in the computer industry in the Washington metropolitan area. During this time, Tom met his wife, Kay Whitmire Henninger, and they were married in 1970 at Epworth Methodist Church in Gaithersburg, Maryland. After several career moves from Maryland, Illinois, New Hampshire, and Kentucky, they were excited to return to Kay's home state of NC in 2004 to retire at her family's homeplace in Brevard. Last year, they were very honored to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary and Tom's 85th birthday. Tom is survived by his wife, Kay of Brevard, two sons, Eric (Loretta) of Brevard and Gregg (Kristen)of Pisgah Forest, 7 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, 11 nephews, 2 nieces, sister in law, Marie, brother in law, Jon and a wonderful plethora of "adopted family" of children & grandchildren over his many years. Tom was preceded in death by his dad and stepmom, Russell & Ethel Henninger; mom, Bessie J. Siedler; twin brother, Joe; two stepsisters, Mary Hardy and Lois Wilkinson; granddaughter, Ember, and grandson, Thomas. Tom was lovingly known by us as a caring husband, dad, papa, uncle and friend. He was a strong, kind, generous, faithful man who quietly walked out his faith daily, with most everyone getting a glimpse of his wonderful dry sense of humor. His family & friends have wonderful memories of his goodness. He was always actively involved in the body of Christ through churches his family attended either in leading home groups, prayer, financial offices and leadership. A private graveside and memorial service was held on February 27, 2021. The service can be found on Facebook on Tom Henninger's Memorial page. In memory of Tom, the family requests donations be sent to Destiny Christian Fellowship capital fund. Online condolences or messages may be left at www.moodyconollyfuneralhome.com Moody-Connolly Funeral Home and Crematory are caring for the family.