Henry John Van Kluyve Sr

With loving hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Henry John Van Kluyve Sr., who went to meet his Lord and Savior on July 16, 2026, at the age of 96. Born on February 28, 1930, in Clifton, New Jersey, Henry lived a life rich with love for his Lord, love for his family, service, and faith. Henry was the beloved son of the late William and Ada Van Kluyve. He was predeceased by his brother, Richard Roy Van Kluyve, and his cherished grandson, Eric Lee Van Kluyve. Henry leaves behind his devoted and loving wife of nearly 74 years, Virginia Hales Van Kluyve, a testament to a truly heavenly union they began on October 12, 1952, at Fairmont Park Free Will Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia. He is survived by his loving children: Johnny Van Kluyve of Hermitage, Tennessee, Rick Van Kluyve (Paula) of Lebanon, Tennessee, and Cindy Van Kluyve of Hermitage, Tennessee. His legacy also lives on through his grandchildren, Richard Van Kluyve, Joey Kearney, Justin Kearney, and Brandon Van Kluyve, and great-grandchildren Liam, Layne, Louie, Valerie Van Kluyve, Eliana, Amaia, and Tristan Kearney, along with many cherished and dear friends. Henry's journey of faith and dedication began after graduating from Eastern Academy in Clifton, New Jersey. He served his country honorably in the United States Navy aboard the USS Mississippi during the Korean conflict. It was here that the ship’s barber, Ted Young, led Henry to the Lord. After the Navy, Henry attended Fairmont Park FWB Church, where he met, dated, and married the preacher’s oldest daughter, Virginia. After his service, Henry pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree from Welch College, graduating Magna Cum Laude. His path led him to pastor numerous churches across Davis, North Carolina, Portsmouth, Virginia, and Savannah, Georgia. In 1967, Henry played a pivotal role as Director of Deputation for the Free Will Baptist Foreign Missions department. His ministry took him and Virginia to St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, where he served as a pastor and president of the FWB school. They later settled in Beaufort, North Carolina, where Henry pastored the First FWB Church for two decades, before retiring to Nashville, Tennessee. Henry was a man of many talents and interests. An avid golfer, he enjoyed playing alongside his sons and grandsons. His passion for model trains and love for music, especially choral, was evident in the way he directed choirs and sang with a voice that resonated deeply with those around him. He shared this musical passion with his family, leaving an indelible mark on their lives. Known for his humor, warmth, and unwavering faith, Henry never met a stranger. He had a unique gift for making others feel uplifted, always taking the opportunity to share his love for the Lord and asking whoever he came in contact with what their relationship was with the Lord. His presence was a blessing to all who knew him. A service to celebrate Henry’s life will be held on July 24, 2026, at 12:00 PM at the Hermitage Funeral and Memorial Gardens, located at 535 Shute Lane, Old Hickory, TN. Visitation with the family will be from 10 AM until 12. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Free Will Baptist International Missions, in honor of Henry's lifelong dedication to his faith and his Lord. The Van Kluyve family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Summit Hospital in Hermitage, Tennessee, for their compassionate care during Henry's final days. Henry John Van Kluyve Sr. leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and kindness. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all whose lives he touched.