Henry Joy
Henry Joy has a nickname: “The Silent Saint.” Eugene Wolf, who nominated Joy for the award, gave him this name because he says it exemplifies Joy’s philanthropy.
Joy does good deeds for people and organizations involved in the arts without seeking any praise for his accomplishments.
“Because his deeds were done without fanfare, little about his accomplishments is known by the public. But occasionally word gets out, and we learn about yet another individual or organization that has benefited from his generosity,” Wolf says.
Joy serves on the Barter Theatre board of trustees, the International Storytelling Center’s board and Jonesborough Repertory Theatre’s board. He has made significant contributions to practically all the theaters within driving distance. Among them are Haywood Arts Regional Theatre, Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre, North Carolina Stage Company, Asheville Community Theatre, Johnson City Community Theater, Elizabethton High School Theater and Barter Theatre.
“I was a public high school/middle school teacher in several different systems for 35 years, mainly teaching English and language arts. Highlights include teaching Eugene Wolf, a Barter Theatre legend and multi-talented actor/singer, at Greeneville (Tennessee) High School. Also, two of my former students became artistic directors of their own theaters. The biggest challenge was convincing some principals/supervisors that playing learning games and creating a fun emotional climate for learning were not antithetical to student success and progress. I also coached Little League baseball for 30 years and was inducted into the Johnson City Parks & Recreation Wall of Fame.
“Seeing ‘Romeo and Juliet’ at Barter Theatre in 1968 sparked my interest and eventual involvement in the arts. I had read lots of Shakespeare as an English major in college and even taught him to high school students for two years but had never seen his plays performed. This play not only made Shakespeare come alive (and helped me make him come alive for my students) but also created in me a visceral love of theater that has continued to this day,” Joy says.
Among the initiatives he has championed is the Appalachian Festival of Plays & Playwrights, a program that reflects Barter Theatre’s historic commitment to nurturing Appalachian voices. Through his sustained support, Joy has helped ensure that the festival remains a professional, welcoming space where new work can be developed with care and integrity. His involvement with AFPP underscores his belief that regional stories matter — and that they deserve the same respect and resources as any work on a national stage.
“He has taken intentional steps to ensure that Barter’s staff feel seen and appreciated — not as a gesture, but as a core value. Whether sharing a meal, engaging in conversation at events or offering a word of encouragement, Henry treats staff members with respect and warmth. These moments of personal connection foster a culture of belonging and affirm the dignity of the work being done across the organization,” says Katy Brown, Barter Theatre artistic director.
He and his wife, Flora, are enjoying retirement and see between 75 and 100 plays a year. They also host what they call “Luscious Literature Dinners” at their home.
“The arts are extremely important in our lives. Flora is an award-winning quilter who truly loves exploring fabrics and thread. Not only are we avid theater attendees, but I am proud to help support theaters, museums, libraries and other cultural entities. The arts feed my soul. I emphasize youth involvement by funding two theater scholarships at ETSU and by sponsoring the ‘Tweetsie Storybook Trail’ for young children,” Joy says.
Other of Joy’s endeavors include financing summer interns at Barter Theater. One of the interns said that without “Joy support,” he might have starved during that semester. Joy financed the new lighting system for the Bert C. Bach Theatre at ETSU. He supports the Storybook Trail through the construction of kiosks and donations of books, so people can enjoy a trail reading of a popular book and provides books that they can take home.
He gives gift certificates to every Barter employee, including janitors, etc. as an expression of thanks.
Wolf says, “I first encountered Henry Joy in 1969. He was my first English teacher at Greeneville High School. I knew then that he was a special connector with students, but I had no idea he would become such an integral part of my artistic life. He has been a driving force in two of my long-standing theatrical institutions — The Road Company of Johnson City, Tennessee, and Barter Theatre of Abingdon, Virginia. Henry is not only a silent saint, but he is an unselfish hero to many.”
Joy was born and reared in Johnson City and attended ETSU. He received his bachelor’s degree in 1966 and his master’s degree in 1976, during which time he fell in love with his teacher. He and Flora celebrate their 50th anniversary in September.
“Looking at the list of previous winners of this award, I am both humbled and honored to be included in their company,” he says.
