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BUSINESSMAN HENDERSON DIES AFTER LENGTHY ILLNESS
by Carole Brand, Sun Staff Writer
Friends, co-workers and family members are remembering John Wilbur Henderson this week as an energetic, kind man whose love for his community was evident in his contributions he made throughout his life.
The prominent Enterprise businessman died Saturday evening, June 17 [2000], in Enterprise after a length illness. He was 87.
Henderson was associated with the Enterprise Banking Company for more than 55 years and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Enterprise. He served as a deacon and also served as church treasurer for more than 50 years.
Henderson was born July 28, 1912 in Enterprise to the late Joseph Watts and Mary Byrd Henderson.
In his younger days and into his late 60s, he was an avid tennis player.
"He was a wonderful man and a really smart guy," said Ricky Adams, who worked under Henderson for seven years at the Enterprise Banking Co.
"I remember I was in my 20s and he was in his 60s and we'd play tennis almost every Thursday afternoon. He beat me every time," said Adams.
"Lots of people remember Mr. Henderson for his energy and his talents," he said.
Wink Rodgers, who worked with Henderson for 23 years at Enterprise Banking Co,, remembered Herderson as a kind man who was so tenderhearted that tears would frequently come to his eyes when he talked of old freinds or sick neighbors.
"He was my first boss, he had a good work ethic," said Rodgers, who first went to work with Henderson in March 1959. "We had a lot of good times. He and I kidded a lot, especially about Auburn and Alabama. He was for Auburn and I was for Alabama."
Rodgers fondly recalled how a playful Henerson once offered Rodger's son, John Paul, a quarter to yell "War Eagle" at the bank in front of his dad.
"He loved kids and he loved people," said Rodgers. "And people loved him."
Henderson received his grammar school and high school education in Enterprise, graduating from Coffee County High School in 1930 and attened Auburn University in 1930 through 1932.
From 1936 until 1986 he served as custodian of the Coffee County School Funds, the longest continuous tenure of anyone in the state of Alabama. Henderson served on the Enterprise Housing Board and City Water Board for eight years and was treasurer of the Enterprise United Fund from its beginning in 1956 until 1986.
Henderson once remarked that "Enterprise has been good to me. It has been a good place to live and I have tried to support the worthwhile activities of the community by serving for organizations. This has been my way of saying 'thank you to the community.'"
[Source: Obituary - The Southeast Sun Newspaper]
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COMMUNITY MOURNS LOSS OF HENDERSON
by Meghan Seekamp, Ledger Staff Writer
[Source: Obituary - Enterprise Ledger]
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He was buried on 20 Jun 2000 in Enterprise City Cemetery, Enterprise, Alabama. (20) Luella Botsford and John Wilbur Henderson had the following children:
+51 i.
Hilda Henderson.
52 ii.
Joseph Adolphus Henderson was born on 12 Nov 1948 in Enterprise, Coffee Co.,
Alabama.(16)
(18) He died on 30 Nov 1948 in Enterprise, Coffee Co., Alabama.
(16)(18)
53 iii.
Hazel Henderson (Private).
+54 iv.
Helen Henderson.
+55 v.
Harriet Henderson.
+56 vi.
John Wilbur Henderson Jr..
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