William 'Tank' Mumford, headed men's ministry
William “Tank” Henry Mumford, 52, of Millsboro, passed away peacefully Friday, April 11, 2014, at Beebe Healthcare with his wife, family, friends and church family at his side.
Tank was born to Russell Sr. and Jane Mumford July 9, 1961, at Milford Memorial Hospital. Tank grew up in lower Delaware until he relocated to Camden, N.J. Tank attended the Indian River and New Jersey public school systems. He worked as a laborer Mountaire Feed Mill. He met the love of his life, Vanessa Mumford of Glassboro, N.J. in 1997. After courting for eight years Tank and Vanessa became one in Holy Matrimony in Glassboro, Oct. 22, 2005. In 2009 the two relocated to Millsboro, where they became faithful members of God’s People for Purpose Ministries under the leadership of Pastor Charles Foye. Tank served as the choir president and on the men’s ministry Iron Sharpening Iron.
Tank was known to many family and friends by many other affectionate names such as Big H, Pop Pop Henry, Grand Daddy, and Brother Henry and to his wife Vanessa he was known as “Hun”. However most of all he was known for his big personality and being generous.
Tank’s passions included spending time with family, cooking, shooting pool, watching westerns, talking trash, attending church, singing on the choir, and taking care of his cat, Soldier and talking with his fish as he fed them. His favorite songs were "Let’s Us All Go Back" and "Thank You Lord." Brother Henry will forever be known for his request unto the Lord, “Right Now Lord, In the Name of Jesus.”
In addition to his wife and parents Tank is survived by his children: Shadonna Jones of Goldsboro, N.C., Kiana Mumford of Salilsbury, Md., and Monica Myers of St. Petersburg, Fla., Tyrell Dowens, Tauheed Dowens, Justin Dowens and Anthony Dowens all of Glassboro. Henry is also survived by his three brothers: Russell Mumford Jr., Jessie (Pop) Mumford, Ray Mumford (Tammy), all of Millsboro; and one sister: Rholena “Sissy” Marshall (Marvin); and a devoted sister-in-law Crystal Dowens. Tank had 14 grandchildren: Maliachi, Jaliel, Serenity, Ny’vion, Mykale, Cahassidy, Ajanee’, Janiyah, Davine, J.J., Cameron, Layla, Preston and Jayden; two godsons: Phillip “PJ” Miller and Tahjae Mumford; and a host of loving nieces and nephews.
Henry was predeceased by his grandparents, Burely and William Doughty; his brother Mark Mumford; his Aunt Helen Hitchens; and his mother-in-law Margaret V. Dowens.
Tank was loved, loved everyone and only desired to be loved.
Services will be Saturday, April 19, at noon at St. John 2nd Baptist Church, 26602 Mt. Joy Road, Millsboro, with a viewing two hours prior. Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Homes.
