Henry Lee Logan, 78, passed away peacefully in his home, on Tuesday, July 26, 2023. He was an Asheville native and was preceded in death by parents, Carrie Bell and Leroy Hall; aunt/sister, Mary Alston; daughter, Carrie Renee and son, Patrick Logan. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 33 years, Barbara Hughes Logan, children, Terry Logan and Henry Lee Logan, Jr. ; blended family children, Lamont Hughes, Shebra Hughes-Frazier, Tequia Muckelvene; sister, Joe-Cynthia Brewton; niece, Sharon Jeter; nephew, Robert Jeter, Jr.; 15 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.
Henry was a legendary basketball player at Stephens- Lee High School, known as “The Castle on the Hill” and Western Carolina University, where he was the first African American and the most heralded student-athlete in WCU’s history. He was a Four-time National Associate of Intercollegiate Athletics, and Associated Press All-American selection. As the first African American basketball scholarship recipient to a predominately white institution in the Southeast, Henry blazed the trail for racial integration of sports and education.
After college, he was drafted into the American Basketball Association, and played two seasons with the Oakland Oaks and Washington Squires. Henry’s professional career was shortened due to injuries. Henry was inducted to the Western North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, Western Carolina University Hall of Fame, and North Carolina Hall of Fame.
While Henry had a phenomenal basketball career, his faith was the hallmark of his life and testament to his character. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior on June 6, 1976. Henry became a member of Faith Tabernacle Christian Center in 1993. He served as an Armor Bearer, Sunday school teacher and was a cornerstone disciple; often sharing his knowledge of scriptures during services. Henry had an insatiable love for God. He was committed to ministry, service and introducing people to Jesus. His determined purpose was the will of God, serving in the spirit of obedience. Henry refused to let the difficulties of his personal life define him. His challenges were not only used as his testimony but strengthened his faith. He spent countless hours daily, studying the word of God. Henry’s legacy is astounding, and his spiritual gifts were based in family, faith and community. Affectionately, he was known as Paw- Paw, and Pop; and in the community as Logan.
Photo Courtesy: Citizen-Times, Asheville
