Eugene Henderson's Obituary
Eugene Henderson Obituary
Eugene Henderson was born on March 27, 1940, in Yazoo City, Mississippi, to the late Wilkie and O.D. Henderson. Eugene was the middle son of three siblings, Herbert Earl Henderson Sr, preceded in death and Billy Joe Henderson.
Eugene confessed his belief in Jesus Christ at an early age, and was baptized at St. Emmanuel Baptist Church in the Jonestown community of Yazoo city, Mississippi.
Known to many as “Geno”, and “Left”, because he was left-handed, and even “Recap”. O.D. use to work at a shop and fix tires or recap a tire to use over and over again, a procedure done to fix tires back in the 40’s and 50’s. Because this is what his dad did at the shop, they called Gene this nickname.
Gene was very quiet and loved his sports. He attended St. Francis school, he was a quarterback on the football team and a first baseman on the baseball team. Gene graduated from St. Francis in 1959 and was even crowned Homecoming King.
Gene had one son, Michael Henderson, that preceded him in death. After graduating from high school, Gene ventured North to Chicago, Illinois to find work. On May 6, 1966, Eugene Henderson was drafted into the Army. Gene went to Vietnam. He became an E-5 Sergeant,receiving the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and a Purple Heart.
Well done Soldier!
After serving 1 year, 11 months, and 28 days for our Country, Gene traveled back North to Chicago Illinois, where he found work at Oscar Meyer. He worked as a Meat Processor for many years. After years of officially retiring from the workplace, Gene took up the hobby of repairing bicycles and became known in his neighborhood of Harvey, Illinois as the “Bikeman”. Gene never talked much about the Vietnam War, he did not like taking pictures much, and you know you could not call Gene when he was watching his sports. He was a kind hearted, generous man that helped anyone who asked. Gene was a fighter, he had two strokes but still hung on and lived and regained strength, and independence.
God called Eugene Henderson home on January 22, 2019. Gene leaves to cherish his memory one brother, Billy Joe Henderson of Yazoo City, Mississippi, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, and a special buddy, and lifelong friend, Jacqueline Harvey.
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