Former Sen. Douglas Henry, longest-serving lawmaker, dies

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (wire story) — Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy McNally says in a Facebook post that former Sen. Douglas Henry, a larger-than-life former state lawmaker with the longest tenure in the history of the Tennessee General Assembly, has died. He was 90.

Longtime legislative aide and friend Nancy Russell told media that Henry died around 11:30 p.m. Sunday surrounded by family and loved ones in his West Meade home.

FILE — In this April 17, 2014 file photo, Sen. Douglas Henry, D-Nashville, is applauded as he walks back to his seat after speaking to the Senate on the final day of the 108th General Assembly in Nashville, Tenn. Henry retired after the session, having served there since 1970. He was first elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives in 1954. Legislative officials said Henry died Sunday, March 5, at his home in Nashville. Henry was a larger-than-life former state lawmaker with the longest tenure in the history of the Tennessee General Assembly. He was 90. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)

Henry, a Democrat, presided over the powerful Senate Finance Committee for three decades until Republicans took over the upper chamber in 2007. But he was so respected by the majority party that they named him “chairman emeritus” and continued to give great deference to his views on financial matters facing the state until he retired in 2014.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam called Henry a primary reason the state is on solid financial footing. He says Henry’s wisdom and perspective will be missed.