This is one in a series of profiles on people in the Commerce community written by Texas A&M; University-Commerce students in Dr. Lamar Bridges journalism class.
Commerce native and basketball enthusiast Tony Henry has made his mark on this East Texas community, with only high aspirations for the future remaining.
Born March 11, 1968, Henry grew up and has lived in Commerce for 38 years. A strong supporter of sports at the schools his son and daughter attend, he has become deeply involved with his children’s extracurricular activities and O’Reilly Auto Parts in Commerce.
This past May, Henry was selected during general elections to serve on the Commerce City Council, where he attends meetings twice a month and helps in the decision-making process.
“The main purpose is to just take care of the citizens of this city, the ones who elected me, and the ones who didn’t as well,” Henry said.
Having always been interested in motor vehicles, Henry decided to get into the automotive business and began working at O’Reilly Auto Parts eight years ago. He is now the manager at the local O’Reilly on Live Oak Street.
“I love working on vehicles, and I love the automotive industry,” Henry said.
According to Henry, before starting at O’Reilly, he worked in banking for Brinks Home Security. Although he did not dislike his job, it was often a headache and involved a large amount of paperwork, without enough interaction with the people.
“Sitting in an office is not mingling with people; I like to be around people,” Henry said.
Graduating from Commerce High School, Henry has always been a big supporter of the Tiger basketball teams at every level of schooling. His son, senior Anthony “Junebug” II, and daughter, eighth-grader Christian, both play basketball on the competitive level for their schools.
“I haven’t missed a game yet,” Henry said.
In his leisure time, Henry enjoys working out, playing basketball and watching professional basketball. Instead of choosing one particular professional team, Henry said he usually watches them all since he enjoys the game itself more than just a particular player or team.
“I’m just a very competitive person with sports; it doesn’t matter who is playing, I’m going to watch,” Henry said.
Although he said he enjoys his line of current work, Henry has even bigger aspirations for the 10 years following his retirement.
“This has been my goal since I was 20, that by the time I’m 50, to coach basketball at the high school level. I didn’t want to do it early; I wanted to do it late in life, as my second life,” Henry said.
He also plans on attending Texas A&M; University-Commerce this spring to pursue a degree in kinesiology.
Married for 19 years to wife Rolonda, Henry said he would like to stay involved with the community through his children and the city council.
“I enjoy what I do; I enjoy helping the people in any way I can. I’m not in it for awards. I’m just volunteering my time to give helping hands to the community I grew up in,” Henry said.
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Henry making his mark on Commerce, community
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