Retired Major William J. Henderson, Jr., 85, of Biloxi, MS and resident of Brookdale Assisted Living of Johnson City, passed away September 16, 2018.
Major Henderson retired from the USAF in 1971. Most of his Air Force career was as a B-52 Radar Navigator. His final 5 years of service was as Squadron Commander. As a Korean and Vietnam veteran, he received many commendations and awards. He took most pride in his award into the Strategic Air Command B-52 2000 Hour club and his squadron’s Combat Readiness Award.
After his retirement from the Air Force, Maj Henderson had a second career in life insurance sales and retirement planning. He received his BA degree from the University of Nebraska and his MBA from the University of South Carolina.
He had a passion for flying. He was a private pilot and an instructor most of his life. He enjoyed full time RVing around the country with his wife Mary Anne of 54 years. Johnson City was a summer destination for several years.
He was preceded in death by his Father William J. Henderson, Sr., mother Florence W Henderson, wife Mary Anne Henderson and youngest daughter, Nancy Henderson Carroll.
He is survived by his son, William J. “Bill” Henderson III of Bluffton, SC (Sally), daughter Hollis “Holly” Henderson of Gulfport, MS, sisters Alice Watkins of Phoenix, AZ and Lois Gross of Ships Bottom, NJ.
Will dearly loved his two grandchildren Margaret “Maggie” Henderson of Knoxville, TN and Brett Carroll of Biloxi, MS
Services will be held at Riemann Funeral Home in Biloxi, MS Friday, October 5, 2018 at 10:00 AM. Graveside services with military honors will follow at the National Cemetery in Biloxi, MS.
Will fought Parkinson’s disease for several years, he never complained or asked for pity, right up to the end. He was a good soldier, a devoted husband and a loving father. Though his rewards will be eternity with our Lord and Savior, he will be greatly missed by those of us left behind.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Brookdale and Amedisys Hospice. They were his second family and we will never forget your loving care.