We have been made aware that families being served by Fox & Weeks are being contacted by individuals requesting payment over the phone. Fox & Weeks will not contact a family requesting payment over the phone. Please contact the Savannah Police Department immediately if you are contacted and asked to make payment over the phone. Please contact Fox & Weeks if you have any questions.
Celebrating the life of
Col. Henry A. Shockley, (USA, Ret.), PhD
Passed away on March 07, 2020
Henry Shockley was born in Richmond, Virginia on December 2, 1932. He spent his early years in Bruington, Virginia where his father was pastor to two Baptist churches.
From a young age, his goal in life was to become a soldier. While at University of Richmond, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, he entered R.O.T.C. and was one of only two in his class to be commissioned in the regular Army upon graduation. As a Lieutenant, Henry Shockley completed both Ranger school and Airborne training.
On April 30, 1960, Lieutenant Shockley married Lila Wood. In a time when the family was evaluated as closely as the officer, this partnership – which endured 60 years – provided staunch support for his career.
Their first daughter, Cara, was born in May 1961, and Captain Shockley was assigned to Vietnam as one of the original 500 advisors sent. While there, he was asked to transfer from transportation to intelligence which led to his being sent to American University for his Master of Arts in International Relations. During this time, the family welcomed their second daughter, Dana.
The whole family was sent to Vietnam in November of 1964. Lila and the two daughters were sent home in February of 1965 leaving him behind.
After his return, he made major, and after some time in Washington, DC, the family was assigned to London. During this time, he began work on his doctorate in International Relations. It took several years with other moves and assignments, but he achieved his goal in 1973.
His third and final tour in Vietnam began in 1974, where he was assigned as Chief of Intelligence. His return, in March of 1975, was only one month before the fall of Saigon. For the past two years, he had been working with a colleague on a book analyzing these last days of American involvement in Vietnam.
His next assignment was as the first military Congressional Fellow. After making full colonel, Henry Shockley, was assigned to NATO in Brussels, Belgium. Upon completing his first year in the assignment, he transferred to the International Military Staff where he was the first American military officer to serve.
Returning to the U.S., his final assignment was as the head of the European desk for the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The decision to retire was not made lightly, but after 28.5 years in the Army, an opportunity arose with the international graduate section at Boston University.
Professor Shockley began teaching at both Boston University and University of Maryland overseas programs on his final tour of Vietnam. His experience and qualifications made him a logical choice to lead the International Relations section of Boston University’s graduate program in Germany. Even though they switched apartments every four months, this was an enjoyable time for him and Lila and led to a full-time professorship at the main campus where he held the largest classes and advised over 500 students a semester. His reputation for kindness, firmness, and fairness quickly spread among Boston University students.
In the mid-1990s, Boston University sent him back overseas, this time to London, where Professor Shockley headed the semester abroad program.
After retirement and a move to California, Professor Shockley continued to teach at Modesto Junior College, Stanislaus State, and, after a move to southern California, L.A. Valley College. He continued teaching until 2017.
In the last several months, Henry and Lila, moved from Los Angeles to Savannah, Georgia joining his daughter Dana as she took her first steps teaching at Savannah College of Art and Design.
In the last nine weeks, Henry Shockley, had many health issues which finally overwhelmed him. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
He will be buried with full military honors at Beaufort National Cemetery in South Carolina after a private graveside service.
.
.
A candle has been lit!
Al was an inspiration to me and many and I have been blessed to call him friend for the last 30 years. He was my professor at Boston University and I got to know him and Lila better when they would come into the Cafe Charles on Saturday mornings where I worked as a waitress. We struck up a friendship that has been going strong since. He was a leader, mentor and visionary academic of uncompromising character, standards and unparalleled abilities. Anyone who crossed paths with him, took away lessons in how to inspire others, lead with integrity and kindness. His quick smile and sense of humor made him not only approachable but someone you wanted to spend time with to have that light shine on you. He will be missed dearly, but I will always carry a piece of him in my heart. Fair winds and following seas shipmate. Lila and girls, my heart goes out to you. Prayers and hugs.
- Rear Admiral Danelle Barrett, Buffalo, NY
A candle has been lit!
COL Shockley was my commanding officer at Fort Meade in 1973. He was a consummate professional intelligence officer and gentleman. I learned much from him. Last saw him in Heidelberg at Sue’s M.Ed. ceremony from BU. Sincerest condolences to the family.
- Lloyd Raupp, LTC, USA (Ret), Charlottesville , VA
Shockley was my professor and later my friend, we would eat pies together every so often and he reached out just before moving to Savannah. I introduced him to my fiancé and he recanted falling in love himself. He is truly missed and was an amazing person.
- Christina Salamanca, Los Angeles, California
A candle has been lit!
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Shockley. I was a student of his during the winter, 2012 semester at Los Angeles Valley College. As a non-traditional student, Dr. Shockley was kind to me. His positive attitude encouraged me to strive to be a strong contender in his Political Science class. In 2015, I also began teaching at Los Angeles Valley College in the Business Administration Department. I recall when I told him he was boasting with pride. Occasionally, I would bump into him at the Sherman Oaks post office and we engaged in conversation. One day, one of the postal clerks saw me speaking with him and inquired if I knew him. When I told her about our relationship she commented by saying, "he is so gracious...he is a true gentleman." I could not have said it better. Dr. Shockley, I will always remember you as a gracious and true gentleman who added to my academic achievement at Los Angeles Valley College. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Jack Condon, MBA Adjunct Professor Business Administration Department Computer Science and Information Systems (CSIS) Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC)
- Jack Condon, Sherman Oaks, California
It is with a heavy heart that I read this Beautiful tribute to Col. Shockley. My brother Zach and I had the privilege of taking his informative Political Science classes at LA Valley College. And with me (while as his student aspiring to serve in the military, Now having served) we had several informative discussions about how great this country is and about the US Military as a whole. For Zach and I Col. Shockley was a treasure and a man who we look up to even now. And on behalf of my brother and I RIP COLONEL, RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!!! HOOAH!!!!! (saluting)
- Anthony Montes, Los Angeles, CA
A candle has been lit!
I worked for Doctor Shockley in the mid 1990s when he was head of the Boston University London program. He was an exceptional man. Kind, considered, smart. It was an honour to know and work for him. At different times over the last 10 years I have meant to reach out to him and now it's too late and I am so very sad. His obituary is a life very well lived. I do hope this message reaches Lila. They were a beacon of a couple with an unhealthy interest in snooker (that may have been more Lila) and a great sense of humour. The students on the program were hugely respectful of them both as were all of us who had a chance to get to know them. It was a privilege to know such a man. My commiserations to the family.
- Matt Woolliscroft, Poynton, cheshire, UK
Professor Shockley was the kid of person I aspire to be. I studied under him at Boston University and even though I barely work in International Relations now, he still inspired me and I learned many key lessons from him. Yes, he was firm, kind and intelligent. The world has lost a great one with his passing.
- David Glick, Marietta, GA
A candle has been lit!
COL Shockley was known to me simply as Dr. Shockley while I went through BU's overseas program in Germany as night as a young Army officer in mid-to late 1980s. I'll never forget thinking that he was amazing. He was very kind, supportive, and understanding. I knew he was a retired colonel, but only now do I know how much he achieved, to include having a wonderful family. He made a difference in my life.
- Nathan Colodney, Springfield, VA
We met only once: April 6 1980 on the Grand Place in Brussels. It was my birthday and my parents, a friend and I went for diner. Had a short talk and that was it. A week later my father died unexpectedly at the age of just 51. To my surprise I received a letter from then Colonel Shockley. I have always cherished his letter. After more than 25 years I finally found a contact address and had a chance to finally properly thank him for his kind words. He was special! Cherish the beautiful memories you must have in abundance.
- Ingeborg Slikker, Wassenaar, Zuid-Holland The Netherlands
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- A Private Service Will Be Held