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He has a scholarship fund set up in his name with the Community Foundation at cfcga.org/scholarship/chapin-henley-m-d- scholarship-fund C hapin Henley was a man who dedicated his life to serving others in need through his compassion, love of his fellow man, and a minister's heart. Chapin was born on August 12, 1938 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He received his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University, followed by seminary at Emory University. He became an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church, following in the footsteps of his father, Bishop James W. Henley. His passion for medicine led him to the University of Florida's medical school. He specialized in the field of obstetrics and gynecology and set up practice in London, Kentucky. He served in small communities in and around the area, providing all general medical needs in addition to OB/GYN services. Besides his patients, he served many who were in need of a doctor, but had no insurance or cash to ensure they had adequate healthcare. It was not uncommon for him to travel to patient's homes in these rural areas. A er moving to Macon, Chapin started a gynecology practice. Over the span of his career, Dr. Henley delivered more than 5,000 babies. His ministerial background was evident to his patients, who loved his caring and compassionate manner. While practicing, he achieved major advances in women's healthcare. One accomplishment was that he performed Georgia's first laparoscopic hysterectomy. A er Chapin retired, his focus shi ed to helping working people who had no access to healthcare. While exercising on a treadmill reading Newsweek, a headline captured his attention: "What have you done for someone today?" The article was about a volunteer clinic at Hilton Head Island for people who fell through the cracks of the healthcare system. Chapin felt called to pursue his next endeavor. Dr. Patrick Roche and Dr. John O'Shaughnessy shared Chapin's dream of opening a free clinic for working uninsured residents in Macon-Bibb and Twiggs counties. Alongside a diverse group of volunteers and corporate sponsors, the doctors realized their goal and opened Macon Volunteer Clinic on February 18, 2003. Later, Wilkinson County was added, and a er the clinic's expansion to Walnut Street this spring, even more counties will be served. John McCard, executive director of Macon Volunteer Clinic, stated in a recent interview, "Dr. Henley's profound legacy is etched into the lives he touched through his compassionate care, his dedication to his family, and unwavering commitment to our community. He was a cherished surgeon, family man, and community pillar." Chapin's lifelong commitment to service included supporting Habitat for Humanity and Rebuilding Together. He also was a Rotarian, and upheld the values of fellowship and "Service Above Self." Chapin was a talented artist and loved capturing the beauty of nature in paintings, especially on St. Simons Island. Chapin's heart was always with his family. He exemplified the essence of true love for his beloved wife, Sally. He loved and supported his children, Matt Henley, Elizabeth Hipp, Adam Henley, and Russell Henley, and several grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son, Drew Henley. I can personally attest that Chapin was a good friend. Sally and Chapin had two children the same ages as my two children. We attended church and school events together, vacationed and spent holidays together, and helped each other raise families. We were all very close. In 2014, when my thoughts turned to remarriage, Chapin gave his blessing and agreed to perform our ceremony. His son Russell, a professional PGA golfer, was playing in the Honda Classic on the same day. A er the ceremony, we hurried inside to watch Russell win the tournament. Both families were happy to celebrate two great wins that day! Chapin was also my son Kirby's mentor during his confirmation process at Martha Bowman UMC. Kirby could not have chosen a more perfect mentor. A er the confirmation service, Chapin gave him a beautiful mother-of-pearl Bible his father, Bishop Henley, obtained in Jerusalem in 1983. The inscription reads, "Never forget the God who loves you." R E M E M B E R I N G C H A P I N H E N L E Y In Memoriam "True compassion means not only feeling another's pain but also being moved to help relieve it." DANIEL GOLEMAN BY SHERRI PYLES | PHOTO PORTRAIT COURTESY OF MACON VOLUNTEER CLINIC 72 maconmagazine.com | December 2024/January 2025