The recent unexpected death of Dr. Don Henard has left a "great void" for the Greeneville-Greene County Airport Authority, according to John Carter, vice chairman.

Henard had served as chairman of the Airport Authority since Jan. 1, 2006, and worked "tirelessly," Carter said, toward completion of the runway realignment project at the Greeneville-Greene County Municipal Airport.

"He was tireless and energetic, and he really dedicated a tremendous amount of time to the airport," Carter said in an interview Friday.

Carter also described Henard as "compassionate" and "caring," particularly in dealing with residents who will be displaced from their homes because of the runway project.

Henard died on May 22 after suffering a massive heart attack while working in the yard of his Black Road residence.

In addition to heading the Airport Authority, Henard, a retired orthopaedic surgeon, previously served as chairman of the Greene County Partnership and had accepted several other leadership roles in the community.

Much of his time on the Airport Authority was spent working on the estimated $15 million runway realignment project to correct two major safety issues at the airport.

In this capacity, Henard strived to ensure that the project would affect the least amount of homes in the vicinity of the project.

He also traveled to Nashville on May 8 to speak about the runway project and request grant funds from the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission.

"It will be tough, but we'll try to follow in his footsteps to complete all the projects," Carter said, noting that the Airport Authority has capable members to carry on Henard's efforts.

Carter, a longtime member of the Airport Authority and a former chairman, said the runway realignment project will proceed on schedule.

He said he likely will call a meeting near the end of June or the first of July, noting that he had delayed the meeting out of respect for Henard.

The Airport Authority normally does not meet during June and July.

Carter said he will serve temporarily as chairman until a new chairman can be elected by the Airport Authority.

Henard was a county representative on the Airport Authority, and his successor will be appointed by the Greene County Commission, Carter said.