About Billy D

Somewhere between vaccinating turkeys and loading chickens into crates, Bill decided that attending college might get him on the right track. In 1965, Bill set off to attend Texas Tech University’s School of Business, although his professors all assumed he was studying College Parties 101. Returning to Vernon in the summer of 1968, Bill reconnected with his childhood friend, Cheryl Wright. Suddenly, business school seemed a lot more important.

Bill worked and paid his way through the business school at Texas Tech. He then moved to Dallas where he got a job working for Dallas Power & Light selling Gold Medallion Homes to home builders. In 1972, when Billy Don was 25 years old, with zero insurance experience, he got a job with Texas Employers Insurance Company where 40% of his job would be traveling. He believed this to be an “opportunity of a lifetime,” having only been on two airplanes before that.  With his thick West Texas accent, he began his lifetime of traveling to places like New York, Chicago, New Jersey, Connecticut & Pennsylvania.

In 1972, Bill married his best friend and love of his life, Cheryl, and they had three beloved daughters, Brooke, Meredith and Laurie.

In 1983, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit, Bill co-founded McQueary & Henry Inc with his best friend and mentor, Joe McQueary.  They began their business with nothing more than a card table. Early in 1985, when the staff numbered less than ten, Bill and Joe, with the able participation of some customers, began a project to rekindle a dormant mutual association based in Bermuda.  Signal Mutual Indemnity Association began in 1986 with two members.  Today, Signal dominates the national market for maritime employers workers compensation.  Bill’s vision, commitment and energy were important to the decades of success of the international roster of members.  Later McQueary & Henry merged with Bowles/Troy and Associates to form McQueary Henry Bowles Troy (MHBT) in 1996, which became one of the top 50 privately held insurance agencies in the United States.

In 2016, under Bill’s visionary leadership, MHBT merged with Marsh McLennan Agency (MMA), a decision driven by his deep commitment to his people and their future. Bill saw this as an unparalleled opportunity in the history of the industry, combining the top independent agencies and leaders in the United States with the resources and global reach of the largest insurance broker in the world. This transformative move allowed MHBT to continue thriving while offering employees unmatched opportunities for growth and success.

Under Bill’s leadership, MHBT earned numerous accolades, including being named the Top Performing Agency, receiving the Alfred P. Sloan Award for Business Excellence for six consecutive years, and being honored as the Most Ethical Company by The Dallas Morning News. These achievements reflected Bill’s unwavering commitment to integrity, innovation, and fostering an employee-focused culture that set a benchmark in the industry. Even after the transition to Marsh McLennan Agency, the organization continued to build upon this legacy. MMA has been recognized with several prestigious awards, such as the 2023 Top Workplaces USA award. These honors underscore the enduring culture of excellence and commitment to employee satisfaction that Bill lived every day. His dedication to his team and his passion for creating an exceptional workplace remain hallmarks of his legacy.

Bill’s leadership was characterized by humility, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to excellence, from which he never wavered. He fostered a company culture that valued integrity and service, attracting employees, clients, and partners who shared these values. He referred to them as PLUs, “People Like Us”.  This was NOT TO BE mistaken for people of any particular race, gender, sexual orientation or religion, but people with integrity, strong values, commitment and a servant’s heart.

His faith and trust in Jesus Christ played a significant role in his approach to business.  It guided him to treat people with respect and kindness. “Sharing your faith is more about the way you act and treat people,” he said. “People pay more attention to the way you do things than what you say.” Bill was a friend to all and a “rope-holder” to the highest degree. If you were hanging over a cliff, a “rope-holder” is who you wanted holding the other end of the rope. He would NEVER let go!

Although he achieved a high degree of business success, Billy Don never forgot and was grateful for his humble beginnings. He always maintained his strong West Texas sense of humor, a love for his little hometown of Vernon, and the simplicity of drinking everything from his “trademark” Red Solo Cup.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle who deeply loved and cherished his family. Through life’s ups and downs, he was a steadfast presence, offering unwavering support, love, and his famous “Bill-isms” every step of the way.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Cheryl Wright Henry; daughters Brooke Henry, Meredith Henry Ladd and Laurie Henry of Dallas; he also leaves behind granddaughter Morgan Ladd Richard and her husband, Luke of Dallas; granddaughters Kate Ladd, Lauren Ladd and Ali Ladd of Dallas; grandson Will Henry of Dallas; sisters Brenda Hildebrand and Vickie Perkins of Vernon; brother Bobby Henry and his wife, Diana of Vernon; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Hazel Henry.

In addition to his love for his family, Bill will be remembered for his visionary leadership, his dedication to his Christian faith and values, and the lasting impact he made on ALL who had the privilege of knowing him.