It is with great sadness that Babe Ruth League bids farewell to our dear friend, Henry Sermons of Havelock, North Carolina, who passed away on December 13, 2021, at home surrounded by loved ones.  He was 89 years old.

Henry started in the Babe Ruth program in 1966 when he coached and managed for his local league.  In 1972, he took on the role of League President and held that position until 1989 when he was elected District Commissioner.

In 1991, Henry was named Eastern North Carolina State Commissioner, a position he held until 2002 when he was elected Southeast Regional Commissioner and a member of the Babe Ruth League International Board of Directors.  In 2020, Henry stepped down as Regional Commissioner and served as an At-Large Board Member.

Over the years, Henry also served as a Task Force Member and World Series Director for many Babe Ruth League World Series.

Retired as the former Craven County Fire Marshall/Emergency Services Coordinator, Henry had been a charter member of the Havelock Fire/Rescue Department since 1967.  In addition, he was very active in the community, holding the position of President of various fire and rescue associations.

Henry devoted over 55 years as a Babe Ruth League volunteer.  He proved on numerous occasions to be one of the most formidable forces that helped Babe Ruth League become one of the most influential youth programs in the country.

In honor of his selfless dedication and many contributions to the Babe Ruth League program, Henry Sermons was inducted into the Babe Ruth League International Hall of Fame in 2016.

On December 1, Henry was presented with an Honorary Degree from Wofford College for life well-lived representing his alma mater and in service to his community, state and nation.

A devoted family man, Henry was predeceased by his first wife Eva, and leaves behind his second wife, Gail, six children and 16 grandchildren to cherish his memory.

Henry Sermons was an amazing and caring individual and one of those volunteers who stood far above the rest.  Babe Ruth League is extremely fortunate to have had Henry Sermons a member of its team.  He was considered by all to be Babe Ruth Royalty and a True Legend.