Charles Henderson

HENDERSON Charles Alfred Henderson, of Jacksonville, a University of Florida Professor Emeritus, died July 13, 2012 at his home. He was 85. Born in Gainesville, Dr. Henderson attended public schools in Leon County. He earned his bachelor s and master s degrees from Florida State University and a doctorate from the University of Florida. He was a high school band director and principal before moving to Gainesville. Dr. Henderson was principal of P.K. Yonge Laboratory School and then professor in the University of Florida College of Education Department of Instruction and Curriculum for twenty-one years. After early retirement in 1985 as professor emeritus, he continued to teach part-time until 1998. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha social fraternity, the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, and Phi Delta Kappa professional fraternity, having served one term as president of the UF chapter. Dr. Henderson was a member of the Board of Directors of Campus USA Credit Union in Gainesville for thirty-three years. He served two terms as chairman of the Board. He was active in Florida public schools staff development and was a member of the team that established the Florida Association for Staff Development. He served as the first president of that group and worked with many Florida school districts in the planning and implementation of staff development programs. Dr. Henderson served two terms as a member of the Elementary Commission of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and was a member of the SACS Florida Elementary-Middle School Committee for eight years. He chaired numerous SACS accreditation teams in the State. He received the SACS Florida Educational Leadership Award in 2000. While serving as principal of Zephyrhills High School prior to moving to Gainesville, Dr. Henderson was instrumental in organizing the Rotary Club of Zephyrhills. He served as charter president. Dr. Henderson served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theatre. His destroyer was engaged in the initial occupation of Japan at the war s end. He was a member of Southside Methodist Church and the Asbury Sunday School Class. While living in Gainesville, he was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and served on the Administrative Board as an usher for many years. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ann Messer Henderson. Other survivors include a host of nieces and nephews, including Andrew and Kathy Coley of Jacksonville. Graveside Services and Interment will be held at Roselawn Cemetery, Tallahassee, FL on Tuesday, July 17 at 2pm with Dr. Marvin McMillin officiating. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com