Henry Lewis Dupree, 73, known by many as "Hank" and/or "The Legend", departed this life Wednesday, December 14, 2022, in his home with family.

Henry was born October 6, 1949, in Wisner, Louisiana, to Ellis Dupree and O'Zora Ferrington Dupree. Henry was one of eight children, and spent his early childhood in rural Wisner. Henry had two older sisters, Jo Ann and Ruth, who liked to play dress-up with Henry. Henry was an unwilling participant in dress-up, and rode off on his horse (an old broom) every chance he got. Henry was a cowboy from the beginning``12.

When Henry was ten years old, the Duprees relocated to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where Henry remained into adulthood. Henry's only child, Tonya, was born in 1970, and Henry began his military service in the United States Army shortly thereafter. During Henry's military service, he was stationed in Italy where he guarded warheads. Following his military service, Henry returned to Baton Rouge and later lived a short while in Hattiesburg, MS, while beginning his career as a pipeline equipment operator.

Henry was a very talented musician, and played many locales. If asked to play impromptu, Henry required a certain amount of begging (anyone who knew Henry understands). Henry played guitar, piano and other musical instruments by ear. Henry never learned to read music; he simply had a gift. Henry had many fans, and, although he would never admit it, he LOVED it.

In the early 1980s, Henry moved to Smithdale, Amite County, MS. It was during this time that Henry was able to live out one of his other dreams of being a horseman. Henry loved quarter horses and paint horses, and owned, trained and traded many throughout the years. Henry was a talented farrier, breeder and trainer of horses. Henry was a good hand.

In 1984, Bart Jones told Henry about a girl that was just right for him. However, it wasn't until Henry's sister, Jo Ann Dupree Wroten, Claudell Thornton Coleman (that girl's mother) and Shirley Ikard conspired at the beauty salon that Henry and Becky would meet. Thereafter, they were the perfect mate for one another. Henry and Becky got their marriage license in September, 1988, but had to think on it for while, and didn't marry until October 3, 1989. Henry and Becky lived in Meadville, Franklin County, MS, all of their years, while traveling the United States on the pipeline.

Henry and Becky made many treasured friends as they traveled from coast to coast on various  pipeline projects. Los Banos, California, was their favorite pipeline spot. Henry's entire career was pipeline and he retired as an inspector.

Henry is preceded in death by his parents, Ellis Dupree and O'Zora Ferrington Dupree, and four (4) siblings, Jo Ann Dupree Wroten, Ruth L. Dupree, Roy Ellis Dupree and Thomas Glenn Dupree.

Henry is survived by his wife, Rebecca "Becky" Dupree of 33 years, one daughter, Tonya Dupree, one stepdaughter, Kelly Spring Nusbaum (husband, Mark), and one stepson, Kerry W. Spring; one grandchild, Hartleigh Dupree, two step-grandchildren, Sadie and Lila; and three siblings, Felton Dupree, Vickie Dupree Cavin and Charlotte Dupree.

Henry was renowned, talented, entertaining, witty, silly, moody, cranky and didn't mind dropping a lie on you if it sounded better than the truth. All who knew Henry loved him and he will be greatly missed. Henry's memory will endure in our hearts and minds. Henry didn't say the word "love" often, but never any of you doubt, that he loved you all dearly. Rest easy Hank, we sure will miss you.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Franklin Funeral Home in Meadville, MS.

Anyone wishing to bring food should deliver it to the Apostolic Life Church, formerly Pilgrim's Rest Church, 5291 Highway 98, Meadville, MS.