Jerry Douglas Henderson

Coach, Lt. Col, Friend, Teacher, Coach, Honey, Dad, Papaw, Deacon, and a most humble great man went to be with the Lord, Sat, May 17, 2014, after 13 years battling two cancers. He was born in Dowdville, Neshoba County, MS on June 22, 1941 to Bobbie Barham Henderson and Thomas Lynn Henderson; both of whom proceeded in death. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Cricket Filson Henderson; children, Leigh Ellen Henderson, Gig Harbor, WA; Clinton Douglas Henderson (Stacy), Ridgeland, MS; Shannon Henderson Paul (Brendan), Cedar Rapids, IA; grandson, Joshua Douglas Henderson; granddaughters, Dixie Elizabeth Paul; sister, Barbara Henderson Phillips (Gene); other relatives and friends, all of whom are richer and blessed for having known Jerry.

He attended Poindexter Elementary School, Hardy Jr. Hi. School he attended Mississippi State University on a basketball scholarship and lived in Old Maine. He attended Mississippi College from where he received a degree in accounting and went to work for American Cynamide Co. in Jackson. He returned to school and obtained his teaching license. He received his Masters degree from Miss. State University.

He positively influenced and touched the lives of hundreds of young men and women especially at Madison Ridgeland H.S.; Warren Central H.S. in Vicksburg; Mississippi Sate University; Grace Christian Academy; Starkville Academy and Starkville H.S. He also saved the life of at least two people. He conducted tennis camps for Starkville Parks and recreation, taught tennis lessons and strung tennis rackets. He spent over 30 years with the MSANG and was commandant of the Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Warfare school at Camp Shelby for eight years for the First and Secondary Army. He has received many awards and accolades for his coaching, the last being in June, 2013, being inducted into the Mississippi Coaches Hall of Fame.

He was an avid tennis player and history buff and Bible scholar. He loved Jesus, his family and was very proud of them and one of his greatest joys was when they were all together.

Pallbearers: Ike Clay, Bill Earnhart, Jeff Frazier, Jim Jenkins, Joe Shurden, and George Simon. Honorary Pallbearers: All his senior men tennis buddies.

In lieu of flowers please make memorial gifts to your Crosspoint Baptist Church, Gentiva Hospice or the Palmer Home for Children.

Visitation will be Monday, May 19, 2014 from 5-7 p.m. at Welch Funeral Home in Starkville. Service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 201, 2014 at First United Methodist Church in Starkville. Graveside to follow at Memorial Garden Park. Those who live in the Lord Never see each other for the last time.