Harry Henderson

Harry Augustus Henderson, age 91, of Martin died Monday, January 22, 2024, at Adams Place in Murfreesboro.  Harry was born to Roy and Mildred Henderson in Memphis, TN on February 8, 1932.  He had four brothers (Roy Jr., Stanley, Gordon, David) and one sister (Janelle) who all preceded him in death.  The family operated a farm near Bartlett where they managed row crops and milked a herd of Jersey cows by hand.  He hitchhiked to Martin in 1950 to study agriculture and play football at UTM.  He finished his degree at UT Knoxville 3 years later where he met his future wife, Betty.  Harry volunteered for service as a cryptographer in the US Army in November of 1953, came home to get married in 1954, then left the service in 1955.  He became manager of the agriculture experiment station at UT Martin where he stayed until his retirement in 1996.  

The faith of Hendersons runs deep including his parents and siblings. Harry was a devout follower of Jesus that always put other people first.  He was a lay speaker for the UMC for many years, taught Sunday School, and loved to serve.  The two stickers on his truck window were of UT Martin, and a homemade emblem with the letters OTHERS.  There was also a photo of Betty on the visor.  His post-retirement years were busy volunteering at First United Methodist Church, Kiwanis Club of Martin, Habitat for Humanity, Reelfoot Rural Ministries, We Care Ministries, Red Bird Mission, the United Methodist Committee on Relief US Disaster Response, and helping anyone that had a need.  There are many people who refer to him as the “best man I have ever known”, including his wife and children.  Harry is survived by his wife of 69 years Betty, daughters Ann Payne, Joy Lalush (David), Kay Gregory (Charlie), son Ron (Kathy), numerous much-loved nieces and nephews, 11 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Funeral service will be Saturday, February 3, 2024, 12:00 Noon at the First United Methodist Church in Martin with Rev. Randy Cooper and Pastor Amanda Crice officiating.  Burial will follow in East Side Cemetery.  Visitation will begin at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday at the church until funeral time at noon.

Memorials requested to the First United Methodist Church, Habitat for Humanity and Kiwanis of Martin.