H. W. "Hank" Florey

Funeral services for H.W. “Hank” Florey, Jr. will begin at 11:00 am, Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home chapel with Reverend James Ruffin officiating. Interment will follow at Magnolia Cemetery. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Mr. Florey, 88, of Meridian, was born August 23, 1935 in Birmingham, Al. He died Sunday, January 14, 2024 at Anderson Regional Medical Center.

Hank was a graduate of Auburn University and a life member of the Auburn Alumni Association and Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and a member of the American Legion Post 21. Hank moved to Meridian to manage Dicky Clay Company and worked for many years in sales, sales management, and ownership in the pipeline construction industry, before retiring.

Hank served for 16 years as District One Supervisor on the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors.  He retired on December 31, 2015, at the age of 80, at the end of his fourth term without ever being defeated.  He appreciated the people of Lauderdale County for their support.

Hank was a life member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans and a member of the Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest Camp in Meridian. He was a former member where he also served on the Board of Directors of the Meridian Area Navy League. He also served on the Lauderdale County Extension Service Board, The Salvation Army Board, Riley Hospital Board, and the Lauderdale County Archives and History Board. Hank served as President of the Meridian Manufacturers Association. He was a Cubmaster of Cub Scouts Pack One. Hank was also a long-time member of Poplar Springs Drive Baptist Church and The Ronnie Massey Sunday School Class.

Hank is survived by his wife, Letha Olson Florey; his son, Scotty (Albree) Florey of Meridian; his daughter, Ginger Florey Powell (Norman) of Clarkston, GA; step-sons, Wes Stone and Brian Swain of Meridian; grandchildren, Jackson Florey, Addie Florey, Emma Stone, William Stone, Bentley Swain (Peanut), Brayden Swain, Sarah Powell, Scottland Sanders Sutton (Levi), Arlyn Grace Sanders, and Shep Sanders; and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his “Best Friend,” his Frenchton Bulldog, Angel.

He is preceded in death by his first wife Martha Day Florey of Meridian, and his parents Henry and Lucille “Mudgie” Florey.

Pallbearers are Rick Barry, Billy Carroll, Irvin Martin, James Scott, Ricky Roberts, Chuck Roberts, Buck Roberts, and Spidle Lindsey.  Honorary pallbearers are The Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors who served with him, members of The Ronnie Massey Sunday School Class, Jim Powell, Neal Carson, Harris Wilder, Joe McCraney, Jimmie Smith and Bruce Martin.

Memorials may be made to Poplar Springs Drive Baptist Church building fund, 4032 Poplar Springs Drive, Meridian, MS 39305 or a favorite charity.

The Florey Family will receive guests from 9:00 am until 10:45 am prior to the funeral at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home.