- Date Of Birth: January 28, 1934
- Date Of Death: August 21, 2022
- State: Louisiana
Henry Franklin “Sangi” Cumpton made his final curtain call on August 21, 2022 at the conclusion of a wonderfully interesting and fulfilled life.
Henry was born January 28, 1934 in the Bee Bayou Grocery Store just east of Rayville. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Cleveland Cumpton and Emma Duchesne Cumpton Matheny; his first wife, Faye Cloninger Cumpton; siblings, Ferrand Cumpton, Lena Cumpton Bagley Ernest, Hattie Cumpton Eppinette, and Archie Cumpton.
He is survived by his wife, Georgia Ineichen; sons, Frank Cumpton and Ray Cumpton (and Ray’s wife, Tammy); grandson, Connor Cumpton; step son, Don Oglesby; step daughter, Shellie Herrin; step grandchildren, Brittany Stampley, Ashley Oglesby, Gabriella Cordon, Tony Cordon; nephew, Ferrand Lee Cumpton; nieces, Sue Watts, Linda Bruce, Ginger Bowman, and Alice Cumpton.
A voice too large to be contained by the airwaves and loudspeakers alone, Henry served as a guest reporter for the Richland Beacon News delighting us with colorful reports of Hornet athletics; from football to basketball, baseball, and tennis. No doubt, somewhere in your archives of yellow-aged newspaper clippings is a treasured memory with Henry’s byline.
Still another outlet for Henry’s voice and creativity was the theater.
But, the crowning achievement of Henry’s acting career was his reincarnation of Mark Twain, a one-man show he performed throughout the South. For over three decades he charmed audiences in theaters, schools, civic clubs, dinner clubs, and riverboats with his portrayal of America’s favorite humorist.
Those lucky enough to have known Henry Cumpton can attest to the unique ways he enriched the lives of all he knew. But, of all his achievements, it was his role as educator that made the biggest impact. As a Speech teacher, he taught and influenced thousands of students. And, to this day, countless numbers of those students are still talking about how colorful and unique his teaching methods were – and how he made learning a fun experience. No doubt, he will be remembered as one of the most beloved and respected teachers that ever walked the halls of Rayville High School.
The family wishes to thank the community for your tremendous outpouring of care and support during this time. Thank You
