A Trailblazing Legacy Remembered: Kenneth “Butch” Henry - Everlasting Impact on Wake Forest & College Football
11/19/2025 4:11:00 PM | Football
Kenneth “Butch” Henry was one of three Black players to join the Demon Deacons football program in 1964 making Wake Forest University the first major Division I institution in the South to welcome Black student-athletes.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Wake Forest University legend Kenneth "Butch" Henry — a trailblazer on and off the field and one of the first African American student-athletes in collegiate sports history in the South — has passed away at the age of 79.
The Wake Forest community mourns the loss of a true pioneer. Henry became the first African American student to attend Wake Forest on an athletic scholarship. Originally recruited as a quarterback, he transitioned to wide receiver and quickly became one of the team's leading pass catchers.
Henry enrolled at Wake Forest in the fall of 1964 and spent four years in Winston-Salem, leading the Demon Deacons in receiving during both the 1965 and 1966 seasons.
Henry excelled both on and off the field at Wake Forest. He blazed a trail by becoming, along with teammates Bob Grant and Willie Smith, the first Black football players to desegregate a college football team in the South in the fall of 1964.
Henry, and his teammate Bob Grant, trailblazing efforts were recognized by Wake Forest University in 2021 with the creation of the Robert Grant & Kenneth "Butch" Henry Trailblazer Award. This signature honor was created to recognize the significance of the first Black football players at Wake Forest University and the historical role Wake Forest Athletics played in integrating Division I sports in the South.
Here is a detailed description that was collectively written and released by the members of the Trailblazer Committee four years ago:
As fans will remember, it was against NCAA rules for freshmen to compete so he did not appear in a game for Wake Forest until his sophomore season in 1965. Beginning that fall, he started his three-year playing career where he was a productive player for the Deacs. Henry was the team's leading receiver during the 1965 and 1966 seasons and was voted as the team MVP during the 1967 season.
One of Henry's most memorable moments came on Oct. 23, 1965 when he caught the game-winning 43-yard touchdown reception with 6:00 minutes remaining in the game to defeat North Carolina, 12-10.
From a team perspective, the Deacs improved each season during his tenure and Wake Forest defeated North Carolina in 1965 (12-10), 1966 (3-0) and 1967 (20-10). In fact, the victory over the Tar Heels in 1967 began a four-game win streak to end the 1967 season.
Henry and his teammates from those years are credited with laying the foundation that led to Wake Forest's 1970 ACC Championship season that is still heralded and celebrated today.
Quotes Remembering Kenneth "Butch: Henry
The Wake Forest community mourns the loss of a true pioneer. Henry became the first African American student to attend Wake Forest on an athletic scholarship. Originally recruited as a quarterback, he transitioned to wide receiver and quickly became one of the team's leading pass catchers.
Henry enrolled at Wake Forest in the fall of 1964 and spent four years in Winston-Salem, leading the Demon Deacons in receiving during both the 1965 and 1966 seasons.
Henry excelled both on and off the field at Wake Forest. He blazed a trail by becoming, along with teammates Bob Grant and Willie Smith, the first Black football players to desegregate a college football team in the South in the fall of 1964.
Henry, and his teammate Bob Grant, trailblazing efforts were recognized by Wake Forest University in 2021 with the creation of the Robert Grant & Kenneth "Butch" Henry Trailblazer Award. This signature honor was created to recognize the significance of the first Black football players at Wake Forest University and the historical role Wake Forest Athletics played in integrating Division I sports in the South.
Here is a detailed description that was collectively written and released by the members of the Trailblazer Committee four years ago:
- Being the first Black football players took Courage to take to the field on behalf of their teammates and the Wake Forest community, despite the risks. It took deep Faith to believe that their teammates, the coaching staff, and the Wake Forest community would offer steady support during critical times. As Transformational leaders, it took Trusting in their abilities, talents and tremendous fortitude to persevere, that would set trails, often not traveled, ablaze, lighting the way and leaving paths of success for all of the athletes yet to come in the south. Hence, this award celebrates Wake Forest student-athletes, alumni, staff and community members who have blazed trails in the areas of diversity, inclusion, equity and other important social issues that better the lives of others in the Pro Humanitate tradition that is the central spirit of Wake Forest University.
- Culture Changer: Bob Grant's Story Brings People Together, From All Walks of Life
- Culture Creator: Kenneth "Butch" Henry Set Standard On & Off The Field
- Culture Setter: Wake Forest University Leadership Committed to Supporting Integration of Athletics
- Culture Setter: Coach Bill Tate Embraced Opportunities for Black Student-Athletes at Wake Forest
As fans will remember, it was against NCAA rules for freshmen to compete so he did not appear in a game for Wake Forest until his sophomore season in 1965. Beginning that fall, he started his three-year playing career where he was a productive player for the Deacs. Henry was the team's leading receiver during the 1965 and 1966 seasons and was voted as the team MVP during the 1967 season.
One of Henry's most memorable moments came on Oct. 23, 1965 when he caught the game-winning 43-yard touchdown reception with 6:00 minutes remaining in the game to defeat North Carolina, 12-10.
From a team perspective, the Deacs improved each season during his tenure and Wake Forest defeated North Carolina in 1965 (12-10), 1966 (3-0) and 1967 (20-10). In fact, the victory over the Tar Heels in 1967 began a four-game win streak to end the 1967 season.
Henry and his teammates from those years are credited with laying the foundation that led to Wake Forest's 1970 ACC Championship season that is still heralded and celebrated today.
Quotes Remembering Kenneth "Butch: Henry
- Former Director of Athletics Dr. Gene Hooks ('50):
- "I was deeply saddened to hear about Butch's passing. He was a remarkable student-athlete whose courage and determination paved the way for so many who came after him. Butch carried himself with integrity and class, both on and off the field, and his legacy as a pioneer at Wake Forest will endure for generations. I am proud to have known and witnessed the impact of such a trailblazer in our University's history."
- President Susan R. Wente, Ph.D.
- "On behalf of Wake Forest University, I extend my sincerest condolences on the passing of Kenneth 'Butch' Henry. While I did not have the opportunity to meet him, his legacy continues to inspire our entire community. As one of the first Black student-athletes to compete at Wake Forest and in the South, Butch Henry exemplified courage, resilience, and leadership. His impact on our University and the integration of major college athletics endures through the Trailblazer Award that bears his name and honors others who also paved the way for future generations."
- Herman Eure (Ph.D. '74)
- "Although I never met Butch Henry, his example inspires me even today. He and Bob Grant paved the way for me as the first black graduate student on the Reynolda campus, and I am indebted to both of them for making the road a bit easier for me when I came in 1969. I am proud to serve on the Committee that bears their names. My deepest sympathies go out to the Henry family."
- Steve Bowden ('72):
- "I mourn the passing of Kenneth 'Butch' Henry, a true trailblazer whose impact at Wake Forest University reaches far beyond the football field. His courage, excellence, and determination opened doors for generations to follow. His legacy will forever stand as a testament to his strength, leadership, and the power of breaking barriers. We honor his life, as well as the path he forged that encouraged so many."
- Head Football Coach Jake Dickert:
- "While I never had the opportunity to meet Butch Henry, his influence is felt every day within our football program. He was a trailblazer whose courage changed the course of college athletics, helping make Wake Forest the first major Division I institution in the South to integrate its football program. His name and legacy live on through the Trailblazer Award and I was grateful to attend the ceremony that recognized Audley Bell and Bill Hayes earlier this year. The entire Demon Deacon family celebrates his life and enduring impact."
- Director of Athletics John Currie ('93):
- "Kenneth 'Butch' Henry exemplified the courage and leadership that define the Pro Humanitate spirit of Wake Forest University. His pioneering role as one of the first Black student-athletes in the South transformed not only our football program but the broader landscape of collegiate athletics. His influence continues to shape our values and commitment to progress. We are proud that his name and legacy live on through the Robert Grant & Kenneth 'Butch' Henry Trailblazer Award, which serves as a lasting tribute to his extraordinary impact on Wake Forest and beyond."
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