Henry Tyrrell

Henry Tyrrell, Ph.D., born on August 4, 1937, in Gloversville, New York to the late Lewis R. and Kathryn F. Tyrrell, has embarked on his final journey to be with his Lord. “Papa Henry,” as he was affectionately known, was an intellectual soul who touched the lives of many with his knowledge, giving spirit, and worldliness. Henry was the youngest of four children, Robert L. Tyrrell (Elisibeth) (both deceased), Kathryn A. Becker (deceased), and Betsy Gunther.

He attended Gloversville Public Schools, graduating from Gloversville Senior High School in 1955. He enrolled in Iowa State College that fall and majored in Dairy Husbandry, graduating in 1959. Next, he attended the Graduate College of Cornell University majoring in Animal Nutrition with minors in Animal Physiology and Biochemistry. He received his MS degree in 1964 and Ph.D. in 1965.

Following graduation, he accepted a faculty position at Cornell University in the Animal Science Department. In 1969, he left Cornell for the position of Research Animal Scientist with the Agricultural Research Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). He remained in that position at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in Beltsville, Maryland until 1990 when he accepted the position of National Program Leader for Animal Nutrition in the Cooperative State Research Service of the USDA in Washington, DC. He retired from that position in 2004 after 35 years of service with the USDA. Following retirement, he moved to Auburn, Alabama to be with his new bride, Jimmie Grace “Hunny” Segrest Tyrrell, whom he met through a mutual friend in the Animal Sciences Department at Auburn University.

In 2004, Henry and Hunny combined their homes along with her mom, Carolyn Segrest, and together enjoyed gardening, decorating, traveling, art, good food, wine, family and friends. After Hunny retired from Auburn University and Carolyn passed in 2006, they embarked on turning their pretty yard in Auburn into a spectacular display, known as “Carolyn’s Grace,” which was featured on the Master Gardeners Tour in 2018. Henry liked to keep busy and did much of the stone work himself. He also enjoyed golfing and Bible Study with his senior buddies at Moore’s Mill Country Club (known as the Sandbaggers). He loved being part of the Auburn community and was very active in the Sunrise Rotary Club. And wow - Henry loved cows! He also read several papers every day from cover to cover and then enjoyed intellectual discussions about world and US politics. He also had a good time playing pool and poker with his friends. Henry was a true Auburn Tiger - enjoying all things about the university and each of its sports teams. But most of all, he enjoyed spending time with Hunny (and the late Whispurr Cat) and being Papa Henry to the kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. All of whom will hold him close to their hearts as they say goodbye to a man they talked with almost daily about anything and everything. Henry is preceded in death by his parents Lewis R. and Kathryn F. Tyrrell, and his sister Kathryn A. Becker. Papa Henry leaves to cherish his memories, his beautiful wife Jimmie Grace Segrest “Hunny” Tyrrell, her Children - Thame Fuller (daughter-in-law Suzi Fuller), Dawn Fuller Bussey (son-in-law Bill Bussey), Amy Fuller Langford (son-in-law Clay Langford); Grandchildren - Rebecca & Jordan Hinman, Ryan Fuller, Nicole Fuller, Allison Bussey, Aris Bussey, Annabelle Bussey, Clay Bussey, Evan & Cole Goodwin (great grands Blakely and Madilyn), Claire Langford, Boston Hill, Lauren Langford, and Luke Langford; Siblings - Robert L. Tyrrell (Elisibeth) and Betsy Gunther; plus a host of Nieces and Nephews, Great Nieces and Nephews, Cousins, and Dear Friends.

Funeral services will be held 1:00pm, Saturday, November 11, 2023 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home, 1500 Frederick Road, Opelika, AL.