Charlotte, North Carolina

May 1, 1944- November 26, 2024

George Henry Sadler, Sr. passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at Mercy Hospital from complications due to Parkinson’s disease.  He was 80 years old.

Henry had a personality as large as his physical presence.  He was loving, loyal, kind, generous, joyful (goofy) and had a servant’s heart which was a true testament to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He could fill a room with light and laughter and will be greatly missed. 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Linda Adams Sadler and three sons:  Hank Sadler, Jr (wife, Beverly), Andy Sadler (wife, Carla) and Chuck Sadler, all of Charlotte.  He also leaves behind his precious grandchildren, whom he loved dearly:  Kyle/Kayla (wife, Laura), Parks, Savannah, Ryley, Nicole, Isabella, Hudson, Henry and Hattie, as well as bonus grandchild, Aubrey Pressley.  In addition to his immediate family, Henry is survived by brother Bob (Janet) Sadler of Greenville, SC and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by brother, Ronnie Sadler.  

Henry was born in Charlotte on May 1, 1944 to the late Parks and Sue Sadler.  He grew up on the Westside of Charlotte on Tuckaseegee Road where his father’s family were rooted.  While his early adult life took him to other parts of North Carolina and Charlotte, he returned to the home where he grew up, later in his adult life, to take care of his aging mother. He remained in this childhood home until his passing. He and Linda married in July 1966.  They first met at Wilson Jr. High and dated throughout their years at West Meck and were even named Mr & Ms West Meck their senior year.  Their 66 year love story is uncommon and a testament to his loyalty and devotion to his wife and family, as well as his faith.  His father’s family were founding members of Mulberry Presbyterian Church and Henry was a dedicated member from childhood, serving in many leadership capacities, including Elder and Sunday School Teacher.  He loved and faithfully served his church family, whether at Mulberry or at Amity Presbyterian in East Charlotte where he lived from 1976 until 1990.  

As a West Charlotte native, Henry attended Berryhill Elementary, Wilson Jr. High and West Mecklenburg High School.  With his brawny physique, he excelled in the game of football and was the leading player and Co-Captain of the varsity football team.  Upon graduation in 1962, he was awarded a scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he played as defensive tackle.  While at UNC-CH, he was awarded the Jim Tatum Award, which is presented annually to the top senior student-athlete. 

After college, Henry moved to Lake Waccamaw, NC where he served as Director of the Boys Home for 9 years (1967 - 1976).  While there, he and Linda started their family and had their 3 sons.  Moreover, Henry made a difference in the lives of countless at-risk boys who lived there.  Henry was a strong male role model to many of the young men and would continue to mentor several of them through adulthood even after he moved back to Charlotte.  Henry demonstrated his selflessness and servant leadership to these men as well as many others.  He would frequently go out of his way to help anyone in need, even to the point of allowing them to reside in his home for short periods of time or letting them borrow his car for months at a time if needed.  While extremely generous, Henry was also known to hold these same people accountable in an effort to encourage them to better themselves.  He would give you the shirt off of his back and then some.  He made a difference in the lives of many.  Not the least of which was his family.

Upon return to Charlotte in 1976, Henry began work as a salesman, which suited him perfectly due to his outgoing personality.  He worked for Byrum Seed Company, later purchased by Wetzel Seed Company for most of his career.  He loved to tell people that he sold cow manure for a living, which makes evident his witty sense of humor.  After retirement, he worked part-time at The Pines @ Davidson, assisting residents with various needs and setting up for special events.  He was adored by the elderly residents there because of his caring and compassionate nature.

Henry Sadler was an affectionate, dedicated and hardworking individual who always put the needs of others ahead of his own.  Philippians 2:3-4  “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Service will be held at Mulberry Presbyterian Church -5600 Tuckaseegee Road Charlotte NC 28208, Sunday December 8, 2024 at 3:00pm. With receiving of family and friends following  service in Fellowship Hall. Meal will be provided, all are welcome. Come as you are. 

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to The Boys & Girls Homes of North Carolina. 

https://boysandgirlshomes.org/donate.html

The Sadler family have entrusted arrangements to Roseboro's Mortuary & Crematory.