Henry McLean Fairley III

Henry McLean Fairley III, 73 years of age, passed away peacefully at home on December 4th, 2025, with his loving family at his side.

Henry, affectionately known as "Hank" by friends and family, and "Grumpy" by his grandchildren, was born on August 1st, 1952, in Columbia, South Carolina to Henry 'Mack' McLean Fairley Jr and Elizabeth 'Betty' Jane Blackwell.

Hank was a man of adventure. While growing up in Charleston, he spent every possible moment in the sea and on the beaches of Sullivan's Island, swimming, surfing, and exploring with friends. Then, while living in Guam for his father's subsequent ONI posting, he spent his time mastering big waves in the open water on his surfboard and saving multiple lives as a lifeguard.

When he came of age and stepped out on his own, Hank spread his wings on the back of a Harley Davidson. With hair grown down past his shoulders and a perpetual grin, he found freedom on the open road. Along with several of his friends, Hank rode from Huntington Beach to New Jersey, "hitting every college town along the way!"

Hank was a man of many talents. Whether he was gracefully flying down the slopes on a pair of skis, powerfully free stroking his way through the open ocean, or embarrassing a friend in a game of ping-pong, it seemed like there was nothing he couldn't do.

Hank was a charmer. Always the life of the party, he was the first out on the dance floor and last to leave. He believed in a full glass of wine and that it should be enjoyed with loved ones, while telling tall tales and making everyone laugh. His smile and joy were infectious.

Hank was a businessman. He proudly opened the Chattanooga, Tennessee branch of Ferguson Enterprises and built it into a thriving location with his ingenuity, salesmanship, and unrelenting work ethic.

Hank was a man of faith, proud of the fact that he read the bible, cover to cover, multiple times. He served as the treasurer of Cumberland Presbyterian Church for twenty years.

Hank was so many things to so many people, but above all else, he was a family man. Pam, wife to Henry for 37 years, his children, and his grandchildren were Henry's pride and joy. His love and devotion to them showed in everything he did. And despite the distance separating Henry from his stepmother, Juanita, and his siblings, his love for and loyalty to them never waned. For all his talents and accomplishments, it was Henry's family that brought him true happiness.

Henry is survived by his wife Pamela, daughter Jessica Jane 'JJ' and her husband Brian, daughter Chelsea and her husband Jake, son Robert McLean 'Mack' and his wife Allie, and grandchildren Weston, Luke, Gracen Bleu, Hudson, and Mary McLean 'Mary Mack'. He was the loving stepson of Juanita Fairley, and devoted sibling of Elizabeth, Bradshaw, Kim, and Greg.

Please join us to celebrate the beautiful life of Henry Fairley. Henry always knew how to light up a room, so let's keep that light shinning as we celebrate his vibrant life with great company, food, drinks and cherished memories. Come and go as you please on December 20th between 2 and 5 at 7435 McDaniel Lane, Ooltewah, TN 37363. Let's raise a glass to a life well-lived!