Jerry David Henderson, 80, died Friday, April 16, 2021, at his home in Kinston, NC. Born April 9, 1941, in Rose Hill, NC, he was the middle son of John Bunyan and Inez Knowles Henderson.
In 1960, he graduated from Wallace-Rose Hill High School, and in 1964, received his bachelor of science degree in chemistry from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. A proud veteran, Jerry served two years in the United States Army while stationed at Brook Army Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. One of his proudest moments was April 30, 2013, when Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom honored him as its “Veteran of the Day.”
Henderson came to Kinston to work in DuPont's Safety, Health and Environmental Division. He later became a supervisor in the Dacron Division and was honored as “Rookie of the Year.” He was a member of DuPont's design team that established a plant in Isfahan, Iran. In 1977, he and his family, moved to Iran, where they lived 18 months.
Upon his return from Iran, he established a sustainable wildlife habitat on the DuPont campus. The plant's sign, which he designed, was featured in the “National Wildlife Magazine.” Henderson's last position with the company was as Safety, Health and Environmental Affairs manager for the North Carolina/South Carolina DuPont plants. He eventually started his own consulting business and traveled internationally with the oil industry, NASA and Quantis Airlines.
God was the foundation for Henderson's faith-driven life. He epitomized the “Chambers Dictionary's” definition of kindness: one who demonstrates affection, assistance, benevolence, compassion, generosity, goodness, grace, helpfulness, humanity, love, patience, service, tenderness, thoughtfulness, tolerance and understanding. His many endearing qualities also included graciousness, a servant's heart, welcoming personality, friend of community and champion for animals.
As an active member of Westminster United Methodist Church in Kinston, he served on the Staff-Parish Committee and the Council on Ministries, taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. A community leader, Henderson was board chairman of the Lenoir County Red Cross and was active in the Noon Rotary Club but had to resign due to work-related travel. However, he was always ready to step up to the plate when others needed his services.
A dedicated son, brother, husband, companion, father, grandfather and friend, Henderson helped homeless animals and was clearly the “Voice for the Voiceless.” A kind, gentle and passionate soul, he fought hard for the things in which he believed. His dedication to saving animals led him to serve 20 years (17 as president) on the board of the Lenoir County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Seeing the dire need for improving the SPCA's aging facility, he spearheaded a major fund-raising program to build a new shelter. He and his wife, Donna, adopted many rescues in their 52-plus years together and currently have six cats and two dogs, Millie and Baxter.
Henderson was gifted in many areas and spent countless hours in his woodworking shop making intricate pieces of furniture - usually as gifts for his friends. His other hobbies included gardening, church-related activities, reading, caring for others, country music, grilling (especially his famous beef tenderloins), and good fellowship with friends and neighbors.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Donna Ebert Henderson; son David McNeill Henderson and wife Amy, of Raleigh; daughter, Megan Elizabeth Henderson, of Charlotte; grandson, Jackson McNeill “Mac” Henderson; step-grandchildren, Cody and Maggie Walter-Welch; his brother, JB Henderson and sister-in-law, Irene Henderson, of Wilmington; chosen family, Betsy, Ford, Ellie and Carly Zimmerman; and many special cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother and sister-in-law, Wade and Joanne Henderson.
A drive-thru visitation will be from 5-7 pm Monday, April 19, 2021, at Westminster United Methodist Church. Visitors are asked to enter the church parking lot on West Road and exit onto Carey Road. A celebration of life will be held at 2 pm Tuesday, April 20, also at WUMC.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorials be made to the Lenoir County SPCA, designated for the new shelter building fund, 2455 Rouse Road Extension, Kinston, NC 28504. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
