Henry Clay Dumas, 89, a beloved lifelong resident of Chatom, Alabama, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2026. Born on February 23, 1937, to William Thomas and Sadie Wilkins Dumas, Henry lived a life defined by optimism, devotion to family, and an enduring love of sports.

A 1955 graduate of Washington County High School, Henry was one of the most accomplished athletes in school history. He played football, basketball, and baseball, quarterbacking the 1954 state championship football team and pitching for the baseball team that reached the state finals against Sidney Lanier. He was also a six‑year starter on the basketball team, a testament to both his talent and his determination.

Henry continued his athletic career at Auburn University, where he played basketball and baseball. As a starting pitcher on Auburn's 1958 SEC Championship baseball team, he forged lifelong friendships with teammates he cherished for decades. He proudly attended the 50th anniversary celebration of that championship season, a moment that brought him immense joy.

Henry married the love of his life, Betty Legg, in December of 1962. Together they built a life filled with family, friendship, laughter, and countless cherished memories.

After college, Henry returned home to Chatom, where he poured his energy into building one of the strongest Dixie Youth Baseball programs in the state. His influence shaped generations of young athletes, and his passion for sports never faded. In addition to his achievements on the field, Henry was an avid golfer and found his greatest happiness watching his children and grandchildren compete in the sports they loved. Whether on the golf course or at home watching Auburn sports, Henry's optimism and warmth made every moment brighter.

He worked at Geigy for 12 years before continuing his career at Exxon Mobil for 25 years. Henry was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dub Dumas. He was an active member of Chatom Baptist Church, where he deeply loved his Senior Men's Sunday School class.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Betty; his children Kim (Bo) Garris and their son Trey; Jeff (Melanie) and their children Sam, Abigail (Jacob Holston) son Cooper; Scott (Chrystal) and their children Analee, Ali, Tucker, Greyson, and Macon; and Nick (Myra) and their children Jon, Turner, and Easton. Henry also leaves behind extended family, teammates, friends, and a community that loved him deeply.

Pallbearers: Carl Craig, Steven Grimes, Mike Savage, Phil Brown, Billy Joe Odom, Alex Odom. Honorary Pallbearers: The Senior Men's Sunday School class of Chatom Baptist Church.

Funeral Services will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Chatom Baptist Church with a visitation from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. burial will follow at Chatom Town Cemetery.

Henry's legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched-with his kindness, his encouragement, and his unwavering belief in the goodness of people.