Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

Richwood/Ouachita Legend Fredrick "Freddy Bear" McHenry was a quiet giant in the United States and our area community. Freddy Bear was a humble, God-fearing man who had many people who guided and impacted his life. He possessed the type of character that, when challenged, he fought with determination. That tenacity and determination were on display his entire life. Freddy Bear graduated from Richwood High School, where he played on Richwood's first state championship football team in 1962. After graduating from Richwood High School, Bear attended Grambling State University, completing multiple degrees in Education. While at Grambling, he played football and was fortunate to continue his athletic pursuits as a semi-pro Footballer with the Twin City Panthers. His stint with the Twin City Panthers afforded him the shot to play with the New York Jets in 1969. Soon after, his travels landed him a job in Omaha, Nebraska, with the city's recreation department. His stay in Omaha was short-lived as the late Ms. Mary Frances Goins, and the late Ray Wright kept calling him to coach with legendary Richwood Football Coach Mackie Freeze. He took the guidance from his elders and came home to work at Richwood High School for two days before going to Booker T. Washington Junior High School as Athletic Director and Head Football Coach in 1968. He served two years then went back to Richwood as a Defensive Coach for ten years. Freddy Bear became Rueben McCall High School's Head Football Coach in 1975 and in three years, won the district football championship. The team had never even made it to the playoffs prior to his arrival.

After his success at McCall High School, he went on to Carroll High School in 1981, becoming the Head Girls' Basketball Coach along with assisting with the football and baseball teams. During his time at Carroll the girl's basketball team earned a spot at the state's Sweet 16 tournament. Bear left such a lasting impression that his late mentors, including the late Mary Frances Goins, Clem Toston, and others all left word that they wanted Freddy Bear to be a pallbearer at all their funerals. He felt honored as all these influential people thought that much of him.

In 1982, Freddy Bear was named Head Football Coach at Richwood High School. He coached there until 1987 when Richwood High School closed. Freddy Bear was Richwood's third head football coach, which he considered a memorable accomplishment. His career mirrored Legendary Richwood Football Coach Mackie Freeze as he started a football program at Booker T. Washington Junior High School, taught Driver's Education., and had a summer job teaching swimming in Morehouse Parish. Both Freeze and Freddy Bear shared membership in the prestigious Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity too.

Giving credit for his success, he always thanked God, his family, his grandfather Henry Jones Sr., the late Ray Wright, Mary Frances Goins, Clem Toston, Luscious Martin, Abe Pierce III, Robert Carter, Harvey Simmons, and many others who showed him the trail. The late Mary Frances Goins once told Freddy Bear if he ever finished college, he already had a job. Learning from the best legends like Abe Pierce and Mackie Freeze helped him tremendously and is why he was successful in his pursuits.

He went on to serve and teach at Ouachita Parish High School in 1987, where he worked as the school's Athletic Director until his retirement last year. During his tenure there, Bear received many awards, including the Louisiana High School Athletic Association Distinguished Service Award, which is the organization's highest individual honor, at its annual convention held January 2019.

Freddy Bear's motto was, "Respect authority, not color!"

There was only one Freddy Bear McHenry, who was eager to show others the trail to prosperity, who was a sports guru, who loved Richwood, Carroll, and Ouachita High Schools, and who loved Grambling State University and HBCUs. Freddy Bear helped all who needed when needed, with a smile and warm heart.

Freddy Bear went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 10, 2020.

He will be missed by many, especially his church family, Little Flower Catholic Church, where he was a pillar and favorite usher. Rest in peace, Freddy Bear!

Left to cherish his memories is his daughter Heidi Marie McHenry-Scott (Cory), Goddaughter Eugena Jones White (Vincent), granddaughter Allison White, sister Vienna Smith, along with countless family and friends.

The Kappas will hold a tribute in honor of Fredrick "Freddy Bear" McHenry Thursday, March 12, 6:00PM - 8:00PM at New Club Faces.

His wake services will be Friday, March 13, 2020 at the Ouachita Parish High School Auditorium (681 LA 594, Monroe, LA), viewing: 5:00PM-6:00PM, service: 6:00PM-8:00PM.

His celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 14, 2020 at Little Flower Catholic Church (600 S. 16th St., Monroe, LA) at 12:00PM.