Henry “Hank” Word, 92, of Asheville, NC, died peacefully in his sleep at home, on Friday Feb. 3, 2017.

He was born in Beckley, WV;  a son of a coal miner foreman and a school teacher.   He met his first wife, Helen Popovich, while training in the US Army Air Corps. During WWII, he flew reconnaissance missions in the Pacific. After the war, he graduated in mechanical engineering from the UWV.  He began and completed his career 38 years later with General Electric, as one of a select group who started up the jet engine division in Cincinnati, Ohio.

 He retired to Bluffton, SC and then to Asheville, NC. After the death of his first wife, he re-found an old friend in Ellen Murray, who rekindled his joy for living. They later married and lived in the Givens Estates community in Asheville, NC.

In addition to Ellen Murray, he is survived by his three children, David Word (Chris Zahniser), Patty Hunt (Andy Hunt), and Meg Word-Sims (Win Word-Sims). He is also survived by 3 stepchildren: Melinda Simon (Irv), Phillip Murray (Judy) and Bruce Murray (fiancée Liz). He was beloved by 10 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and many devoted nieces.  

He was a beloved brother of 2 pre-deceased sisters, and a devoted father.  A true gentleman, he gathered and sustained friendships from every aspect of his life. He is best remembered for never saying an unkind word about anyone. Hank loved playing bridge, poker, woodworking, golf, and working on talking books for the blind.  He exercised regularly for many years and especially liked his exercise group at GE.  He was active in St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Asheville. 

His family is grateful for all those who made his life comfortable in his later life. Foremost, we thank Ellen Murray; also the Premier Health Care and Care Partners Hospice caregivers.  We appreciate the special attention given to him by his doctors Bill Kuehl and James Andrews.

A memorial service will be held at the Givens Estates Chapel, Saturday, February 11, at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Luke Episcopal Church, 219 Chunn’s Cove, Asheville, NC 28805 or Givens Estates Resident Assistance Ministry. 

Asheville Mortuary Services is honored to be assisting the family.

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