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Jack William
Hendrix
Asheville - Jack William Hendrix, 76, of Arden went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at the John Keever Solace Center. A Buncombe County native, Jack was born on March 28th, 1936. He was the son of the late Julia Genevieve and Roy Wray Hendrix. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Darby Adair O'Brien and his brother, Marvin Wade Hendrix.
After graduating from Oakley High School in 1954, Jack attended Western Carolina University where he graduated in 1958 with a BS in Education. Jack was an outstanding athlete and served as co-captain of the football team. He was also voted MVP for the team his senior year. He remained a Catamount fan throughout his life. He served in the US Army and was stationed in Okinawa.
Jack began his teaching and coaching career in 1962 at TC Roberson High School where he coached baseball, football and JV basketball. He remained in the Buncombe County school system for over 30 years as a Driver's Education teacher and Driver's Education Coordinator.
Those who survive to cherish memories of Jack are his wife of 53 years Jean Bridges Hendrix and two daughters, Sandy Austin (Jim) of Asheville, Kelly O'Brien (John) of Greer, S.C., four grandchildren Delaney O'Brien, Brooks O'Brien, Brody O'Brien, and Aubrey Austin. Also surviving are his sister, Betty Osteen (William) of Weaverville, brother, Jim Hendrix (Pat) of Asheville, sister-in-law, Bette Overman (friend Harry Wolfe) of Fletcher, and brother-in-law Robert Bridges (Norma) of Hendersonville. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Fondly known as "Happy Jack" by his students, Jack delighted them with his limited musical talents by singing and playing the guitar at school pep rallies, while on trips to sporting events on activity buses, and even broadcasting over the radio of the TCR driving range.
In his later years, Jack truly considered his precious grandchildren the love of his life. He regularly attended any event in which his grandchildren were participating including ball games, swim meets, school events and vacations. Friends and family considered Jack's home an open door to enjoy ball games, meals, holidays, or simply visiting on the front porch with a cup of coffee.
A funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at Biltmore Baptist Church with Pastor Noel Hendrix and Reverend Harold Savell officiating. Interment will follow at Calvary Churchyard. The family will receive friends from 1:00-3:00 PM on Tuesday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored to accept donations in Jack's memory to the Eblen Charities, 50 Westgate Parkway, Asheville, NC 28806 (www.eblencharities.org). You may also consider a donation to the Darby O'Brien Charity Foundation at any Wells Fargo Bank (Account #1867163865).
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family and a memorial register is available online at www.grocefuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Never forgotten, always thought of. The smile and guidance lingers forever. Rest easy coach.
Tony Rhodes
January 29, 2022
Not a day goes by that I don't remember something that's impacted my life and brought back great memories. Truly a good influence on my life. Rest easy coach a blessing in my life.
Tony Rhodes
Friend
January 29, 2019
Dear Sandy and Family,
Peace and comfort are with you and your family during the sad loss of your father.
Betty Ann Lackey Modaff
March 4, 2013
Jean, Sandi, Kelly and family
It was hard to hear of Jack not doing well and then passing. Jack was always smiling and sharing a great story. Our trips to the lake, to Carowinds or just to Stanley's Grill made growing up with your family so much fun. There are so many wonderful memories of Jack, Ray and daddy coming up with something to keep us laughing and usually kept us (the kids) in hot water with the moms. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Debi Smith Roberson Class '76
March 2, 2013
Mister Hendrix taught me how to drive.
I remember him cracking jokes about my tendency to "ride the brake". and his admonishments to "watch your speed" He was a sweet man...my condolences.
Lee Morris
March 1, 2013
The very first time I ever drove on the road Coach Hendrix was with me. I was an extremely nervous person at the time. He saw that right away and just broke right in with stories about his time spent in Okinawa, and his college football playing days at WCU. I could really talk sports back then and he used that to snap me right out of my paralyzing nervous situation. Not many people had the ability to do that when something really got to me but he knew just what to do and it worked like a charm. I think that says a lot about the ability he had to teach and even thoguh I am 50 years old now I have never forgotten that. This man was one great teacher and an even greater Human being. Rest in peace Coach Hendrix I will never forget you
David
Walker
TCR Class Of 1981
February 28, 2013
He was the one that took me on the road the first time I ever drove outside the TCR driving range. Another girl was supposed to be there as well however she had been absent those days so it was just me and Coach Hendrix. Him and I talked about many things and I got to know him pretty well and I really came to like the person I got to know. I was so nervous driving on the open road for the first time ever but he calmed me down really quick with his stories of being in Okinawa, playing Football for WCU and just talking in general. He constantly complimented me on my driving and just made me feel really at ease. I am a naturally nervous person anyway and not many people could snap me out of it so quickly but he did, and to me that just backs up his reputation of the type of teacher and person that this man was. He was a class act. I'll never forget you Coach Hendrix. Rest in peace "Happy Jack".
David
Walker
TCR class of 1981
February 28, 2013
I am so sorry to hear about Jack,my family thought so much of the hendrix family.We lost my cousin,scot feb1, so I am sorry we did not get to visit.Take care and Jack will certainly be missed. Pat beachboard 25 harmony lane
February 25, 2013
Dear Aunt Jean and Family,
While you all are not really blood relatives of mine, you are still family to me. I have so many fond memories of coming to Asheville to see everyone and sitting on that front porch sharing stories and just enjoying being together. Thank you so much for always making Scotty and I feel so welcome and part of the family. Uncle Jack will surely be missed and not forgotten. Love and prayers to you all.
Stacey Hutchinson Caldwell
February 6, 2013
With prayers and sympathy in the loss of Mr. Hendrix.
He was always a bright spot in the hallways of Owen High!
February 5, 2013
Mrs. Hendrix and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your terrific loss. So many fond memories of Coach Hendrix @ Roberson and on the ball field. God will give you the strength to go on without our loved ones here on earth. Cherish all those precious memories and know we will see them again.
Leon and Sheila McClellan
February 4, 2013
I was blessed to have Jean and Jack as teachers....what an immpact they both made in my life...Thank you...and Jack, thanks for teaching me to drive...what fun it was!!! Love, Pam Ducker McClure and the Duckers
February 4, 2013
What a tremendous impact Jack had on my life and that of so many others. With all that was going on in the late sixties, he was the one adult that semmed to "get it". You could talk to him and he would listen. Some people create memories while others are memorable. Coach was memorable. I can still hear him singing "In the early morning rain". No more rain for you Coach, rest in peace
Ronnie Israel
February 4, 2013
What a tremendous impact this man had on my life and to a lot of others. With so much going on in the late sixties,Jack was one adult who seemed to "get it". You could talk to him and he listened. Some people create memories, while others are memorable. Coach was memorable.I can still hear him singing" In the early morning rain". No more rain for you Coach.Rest in peace.
Ronnie Israel
February 4, 2013
Lean on the everlasting arms during this difficult times. You are in our thoughts and prayers. From your Oak Park neighbors and friends, Toby and Penny Myers.
February 4, 2013
We are so sorry for the loss of Coach Hendrix!
Sincerely,
Heidi & Hobie Dunkelberg
February 4, 2013
Coach was a great influence in my life and has left many fond memories, visited him just 8 days ago and he was as sharp as ever remembered more than I did. In my mind a great man and I'll miss not being able to talk to him. Thank You and you are remembered.
Anthony Rhodes (Bull)
February 4, 2013
What a wonderful man and teacher, one of my favorites in and after graduating from Roberson. Heaven gained a jewel. My prayers will be with your family
DeLona Green Osborne
February 4, 2013
Sorry to hear of the loss of another classmate. What a blessing to have been a friend of Jacks from the first grade to 12th and beyond. And to his loving family my prayers are with you. He was a great friend.
Carolyn Harwood
February 4, 2013
I attended Oakley School with Jack from the 1st grade to the 12th. I counted Jack as one of my dearest school friends and will miss his presence at the reunions. I will keep the family in my thoughts and prayers.
John Ledbetter
February 4, 2013
He sure was a good frind he will be missed Sam Greene S. E.
S. E. Greene
February 4, 2013
Jack was always so wise and understanding. I will miss him and his silly personality. I know he and Darby are together! Love to you all, The Kinneys
February 4, 2013
We are so sorry.
Bill and Joyce Cordell
February 4, 2013
Our loss is Heaven's gain. I am sure Darby is glad to see you. God Bless you Jack. We miss you!
February 3, 2013
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