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BORN
1928
DIED
2018
Billy Henderson Obituary
Coach Henderson won 285 games in 35 seasons as a head coach at Willingham in Macon, his hometown, and at Clarke Central in Athens, where he took over in 1973 and became a revered local figure. His victory total ranked fifth in state history when he retired after the 1995 season.
--Todd Holcomb, AJC Prep Zone blog
UPDATE: A Celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Mabel White Baptist Church, 1415 Bass Road, Macon, Ga. 31210. The family will greet friends following the service at Mabel White Baptist Church. Burial will be at 2 p.m. in Macon Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Joe McDaniel and Ed Grisamore officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Athens YMCA, 915 Hawthorne Ave., Athens GA 30606, Boy's Club, 705 Fourth St., Athens GA 30606, Champions Foundation, P.O. Box 1681, Athens, GA 30606, Christopher's Bridge Home Care, 3651 Mars Hill Road, Suite 1600, Watkinsville, GA 30677.
A Celebration of his life will be 2 p.m. Sunday, February 25, 2018. at the Classic Center Theater in Athens, GA.
Read more about Coach Billy Henderson on MyAJC.com
Memories and Condolences
for Billy Henderson
58 Entries
Richard Taylor
March 25, 2023
Not just a great coach but a man of sound Christian principles and love for his fellow mankind... Look forward to seeing you again on the other side!! Amen and Amen. Richard Taylor
Just a. Kid
October 22, 2019
I was just a kid when Coach Henderson was at MDS but I remember him well. He inspired countless young people in this life. Rest In Peace,
Leon Richardson
August 10, 2018
There are no words that adequately express his greatness. A subtle fire that burned within and the love you had for all humanity. Heaven just got one of the best ever. Love you coach.
Leon Richardson
August 10, 2018
Rest easy coach. You always walked the high road. Remembering the fire in your eyes as we often talked the game of Football. Leon Richardson
Alex Nicholson
April 7, 2018
Billy, you invested your life into changing mine and many other children. Im a better man because of you and now I in turn am trying to change lives with your principles. Thank!
Faith Dagadu Brown
February 25, 2018
I am saddened by the passing of Coach Henderson, one of the best to ever do it. As a proud CCHS Alum (c/o '95), I was blessed to be in the midst of Coach Henderson's great legacy. It is apparent that Coach was one of the reasons for Clarke Central's popularity throughout the state. He helped to instill pride in us as Gladiators. Coach Henderson was consistent and tough (from my observation), and always greeted students. There was no requirement to be an athlete. The loss of Coach Henderson is not only a loss for CCHS Alums and the school's history, but also a loss for the Athens community at large. Coach, history will remember you, the athletes and students will remember you. You have served well and we salute you as you have taken your final jog through the pines of Death Valley (now Henderson Stadium). Job well done, so rest easy. My prayers go out to the Henderson Family. #CCHSGLADIATORS #RED&GOLD
Stacey Anderson - Barnett
February 19, 2018
He was the best coach Clarke Central ever had. He spoke to everyone you didn't have to an athlete he would take the time to actually speak to you. He was an awesome mentor. He is one person I could say I admired.
Bill Strickland
February 19, 2018
Our community and nation has lost one of its very special People -
what a motivator and leader of MEN and WOMEN - a hard nose,loving
caring man with the talent to get more out of those around him then they ever thought possible.
I Am so very grateful that my boys had the opportunity to be led by such a dynamic individual, and
that I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work and coach with Coach Billy Henderson.
Another of the GREAT GENERATION gone with few capable of stepping into his shoes.
It has been said that when we leave this world what is most important is what we leave behind.
Thanks Coach for all you have left behind.
Rest In Peace My Friend and Mentor
Bill Strickland
John Meadows
February 19, 2018
I had the privilege of meeting Coach Henderson in 1971 and played on his baseball teams at Mt. De Sales in 1971 and 1972. The life lessons he taught all of us will never be forgotten. I am so lucky to have crossed paths with this truly great man.
Diane Bairas
February 19, 2018
To all the Brooks family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. What a wonderfully long life he had! Love to you all, Diane Bairas
February 18, 2018
My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
J P
February 18, 2018
To the family and friends please accept my condolences know that the God of comfort feel your pain and sorrows.Isaiah 61:1,2 reads: He sent me ( Jesus Christ) to bind up the broken hearted and to comfort all who moun.
William Edwards
February 18, 2018
Coach Billy Henderson was instrumental in all aspects of my career to include coaching me and mentoring me in high school and college. He was very encouraging and helped me get a an athletic scholarship to college, and even coached me in college as well as high school. After college I returned to Athens High under Coach Henderson as coach and teacher. I owe my very career to Coach Henderson and will always be grateful to him.
William Mack Edwards
Diane McElhannon
February 18, 2018
He was one of the finest men Ive been privileged to know . He will live on in the many peoples lives he touched , and there were many .
Robert Weathersby
February 17, 2018
I was co-captain of Coach Hendersons 1977 state championship team at Clarke Central. I moved to Dallas after I finished law school, and Coach Henderson would sometimes come to town to attend coaching conventions. Once in the late 1980s when he visited Dallas, I took him to a fancy Mexican food restaurant named Javiers. After the meal, Coach Henderson asked to be led into the kitchen where he told four or five cooks (with the help of a translator) that it was the best meal he had ever had, and he wanted to hear about their families. Twenty or so minutes later, he said he had to go and he hugged them and shook their hands and left. I stayed behind a few minutes and asked if that had ever happened before, and the head cook said that it had not.
The kitchen workers knew that they had been in the presence of something special, but they didnt fully understand it. I did.
RIP Coachyou are the best.
Dicky Erwin
February 17, 2018
I met Coach Henderson at his house on June 6, 2006 and he signed 2 of his books It Can Be Done. One was for me and one was for Chuck Conley, a former player and assistant coach of his at Clarke Central. After visiting and talking with him for 45 minutes he signed my book: To Dicky Erwin, One of my newest friends, feel like I have known you all my life. Warmest regards, Billy Henderson. He was a special man and I cherish this moment in my life I spent with him. RIP, DGD, better person.
Cassandra Bullock
February 16, 2018
Sending my prayers to family and friends. Coach was more than just a coach. He touch so many lives and he will be truly missed
Beverly Robertson Jackson
February 16, 2018
I have so many fond childhood memories of Coach Henderson and your family from exercising to chicken fat at summer camp at Willingham to summer vacations following the Rams to camp on Jeckle Island. My dad , Jack Robertson , played ball at Lanier with him and was active in the Willingham Boosters club before he even had a child on the team . He thought so highly of Coach Henderson as a friend and a coach . Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Beverly Robertson Jackson .
Joanne and Bobby Thomas
February 16, 2018
To my sister-in-law, Carol Henderson, and her children, grandchildren, brother, and two sisters. My heart aches for your families' loss of a man I we fondly loved! He treated the Brooks family as if we were his family over the many years we have know him and their mother Fosky! Many Jekyll vacations shared because this incredible man would invite my mom and dad (JOHN & Dot Brooks), along with me and my 2 young daughters at that time. Many fun times at the beach for the adults and children to bond and have fun! And also, the many times Carol included Steve's many family members for thanksgiving holiday dinners in Athens! Billy will always hold a special place in our hearts!
Dusty Gunn
February 16, 2018
Thank you Coach for inspiring me and believing in me. You always made me feel special. I love you.
Thayer Bates
February 16, 2018
Coach Henderson didn't just influence his players. I was a cheerleader when he coached Clarke Central to their 1978 State Championship. That man could motivate anyone to do anything ... and for the right reasons! He was a great inspiration to me during my school years - and the man I went to first when I realized my mother was dying. He encouraged me with what I needed to be strong for my family during that difficult time. What a legend Coach Henderson was. No telling how many lives have been positively influenced by his character. He will be sorely missed.
Cleve Ard
February 16, 2018
Thank you coach for your guidance. I learned more from you than you'll ever know.
CHIP Chandler
February 16, 2018
I was only on the football team for a short period but I certainly learned a lot from coach Henderson. He believed that a persons character mattered not the color of their skin, that if you work hard anything can be accomplished and to never have self doubt or hang your head in defeat. There was never a time I passed him in the hall he did not smile and say hello young man. He was the most amazing motivator I have ever seen. He could make a sub par athlete run through walls for him. Although coach Henderson is not famous around the world he will always be an icon in the Athens community.
Lewis L. Wood
February 16, 2018
A great man, a fine Coach! It was my privilege to have known and played for him at Willingham High School in 1959-1960. Gone, but not forgotten! My sincere sympathy to the Henderson family.
Charles Webb
February 16, 2018
It can be done!
What a great coach. Coach Henderson's life was an inspiration to all who knew him. Such a fierce competitor with a warrior' s heart. Such a good example for husbands and fathers. I owe such much to him since the first day Max Lockwood introduced us to each other at the Train Recreation Center building in Macon where we shared an upstairs office that summer in 1969. Just listening to his stories inspired me. Through the years, he was always there to offer advice and guidance...about coaching, football, athletics, young people and so many other things. Such a legend...whose good deeds live on. Peace to his family. Thanks to you and God for sharing him with the rest of us.
-charles webb
Zane Fiveash
February 16, 2018
Great Man, Coach and Community Leader. I got the chance to meet Coach Henderson in 1970 in Macon Ga with my brother, i was 10 and my brother was 18. Coach Henderson was respected by all and he touched many young mens lives in the Middle Ga Area. Lead On Coach Henderson.
Elrico (EJ) Smith
February 15, 2018
Words cannot express how saddened I am to hear of Coach Henderson's death. I was a student at CCHS from 1991-1995 when he took us to the State Championship game my Sophomore year against Valdosta. I was in the marching band, and I remember him coming over to the stands while we were playing and told us to play louder and get those fans off their seats for the Gladiators. It was surreal to see a football coach encourage the marching band to play even louder, but I understood why he did it. I also remember him just being so approachable, and never looked down on anyone no matter their status or background.
Both my uncles and my father played for Coach Henderson back in the 70's (my dad was on the 1977 Championship team) and my uncle Ricky Smith came back to coach with him for a year back in 1995-1996 during his final days as Coach of the Glads.
On behalf of the Smith family, we would like to send our thoughts and prayers to the Henderson family and may god bless his soul....forever! RIP Coach.
(And remember as always, "It Can Be Done")
Billy Johnson
February 15, 2018
1968 Wiilingham High School Macon , Georgia. I was 5'8" tall 135 lbs. 10th grade. Inside linebacker. I was small, but I was SLOW. But, Coach Henderson would not cut anyone who wanted to play. He made me feel a part of something big and important, really for the first time in my young life. How many others like me did he inspire to be more than we were? God Bless you Coach, from all of us you made to feel special.
McEvoy-Willingham 2015 Class Reunion
Sue Hallman McEvoy Class of 65
February 15, 2018
Darrell Canady
February 15, 2018
The coaches coach.
An inspiration to thousands.
An example for all of us.
Professionalism personified.
The epitome of integrity.
TOUCHDOWN!!!!! My friend.
Stephanye Peek
February 15, 2018
Thoughts and prayers to Coach Billy Henderson's family. I was honored to student teach in Physical Education at Clarke Central High school Winter Qtr. 1975 and I really got to know Coach Henderson. He is such an inspiration and encourager. He even called me personally to invite me to teach at Clarke Central High school after graduating from UGA Spring 1975. I had also been offered a teaching job in an Elementary school in Calhoun. I said Coach I'm praying about it and I feel lead to teach in Calhoun. He said I've prayed about it I feel you should teach at CCHS. I didn't teach at CC but I was blessed that he thought enough of me to want me to teach in Athens. Coach Billy Henderson you have made a difference and we are all better because of you. Blessings, Stephanye Inlow Peek
Bob Westbrook
February 15, 2018
What a fantastic man! An incredible influence on countless people. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family members.
February 15, 2018
I got to know Coach Henderson when I started going to the Athens YMCA some 15 years ago. He always had time to talk to me and I always appreciated his conversation. I'll miss him.
Mark Johnson
February 15, 2018
I worked at Bulldog Sporting Goods while attending & graduating from UGA in the 80's. Coach Henderson came in frequently. He was the prototypical football coach. Everyone respected him as a coach & person. He taught his players how to achieve excellence in sports and life after football. We need more people like that leading young men in today's world. They are not easy to find. RIP Coach. What a life.
Barbara Clark
February 15, 2018
My sincere sympathy and prayers go out to the entire Henderson family.
Kim Braswell
February 15, 2018
After my playing career at UGA Coach Henderson gave me the opportunity to join his staff at Clarke Central spring when he first arrived. He was a former Dawg player that made it easy for me to say heck yeah! It didn't take me but two weeks listening to him motivate his new team and coaches for me to say I wanted to be just like him in my coaching career! Not only as a coach but as a person, Thanks Coach Henderson for not only pushing us to be the best but also loving us! While in heaven save me a seat because I when I get there i want to finish the drill! Kim Braswell
February 15, 2018
May his legacy live on in your hearts, memories and prayers. Sending our sincere condolences.
BJ
Jean Conner Dempsey
February 15, 2018
What a man. To all the Henderson family, my deepest sympathies. I've lived away from Georgia for 26 years, but learning of Coach's passing makes all that time melt away and my heart ache for you and all who had the privilege to know him. May he rest in glorious peace.
Joanne Thomas
February 15, 2018
IN FOND MEMORIES OF A MAN I HAVE ALWAYS ADMIRED!
Scott TenBrook
February 15, 2018
I'm coming back to Athens for a tough call of the legacy of Clarke Central and the thousands of life's he touched.RIP HOF. TenBrook 2013.
Ricky Allen
February 15, 2018
Johnny,
So sorry for your loss. I remember Coach Henderson fondly from our Summer Camps at Willingham and when he coached our 8th grade basketball team in 69-70. The State of Georgia has lost one of the greats and you have lost a wonderful role model. I am praying for you and your family. God bless you.
Noah Fountain
February 15, 2018
Billy Henderson had a profound influence on my life. I really looked up to him. I was a young man at UGA and became associated with him and Clarke Central football program. Watching him interact with the coaches, the players and the community was the driving force in my decision to become a coach and teacher.
Rest In Peace Coach.
February 15, 2018
Coach Dave Hunter summed the man up very well--competitive,
driven,but who respected the game and his opponents!
Coach Henderson was a "Warrior" who did not compromise
and did not settle for anything except a person's absolute best.
He never,however,asked more of others than he was willing to bring to the table himself.To Johnny and all the family,you had him with you for a long time--be thankful--he loved you deeply.
Coach Jim Hughes,Thomasville,GA.
Terry Rich
February 15, 2018
It is my good fortune to have known Billy Henderson and his wife, Foskie back in the old days in Macon, GA. My Mom and Dad were close friends of theirs, and Brad was a friend of mine in the late 50's and early 60's. My Mom and I had the good fortune of talking with Billy in December 2017, and to hear from him again in January; and it is good to know that he had full command of his mental faculties this recently. What a great person he was!
Jennifer Westbrook
February 15, 2018
He ws an amazing man that touched so many people, both on and off the field. Well respected and adored. My prayers are with his family.
CCHS Class of 1980
Joseph Siskey
February 15, 2018
I saw him a few months ago at the YMCA and was able to spend about 45 minutes talking to him and telling him how much he meant to me and that every day I think about things that he taught me. Love you, Coach!
Kenny Casper
February 15, 2018
Rest in peace coach. You gave so much to the Athens community, you touched the lives of thousands. Just thankful I had the opportunity to know and play for you. You will truly be missed and never forgotten God bless you
February 15, 2018
Coach Henderson was a driven man and demanded so from his players. He was tough to paly against but when the contest was over we treated one another with respect. The most competitive guy I ever coached against. A true legend!! Coach Dave Hunter
Ronnie Olliff
February 15, 2018
Played for Coach Henderson in 68 and 69 and he had a profound effect on my life. He was truly a great man!
Rayvan Teague
February 15, 2018
Hard to express the range of emotions I am feeling today. Other than the loss of my grandfather, no ones passing has so greatly effected me. Coach was my mentor, my friend, my role model and so much more. I have no professional accomplishments in my coaching career that are not directly attributed to him. He is by far the greatest people person I have ever met. He had the ability to inspire everyone he came in contact with and made all around him better. He selflessly spent hours pouring into me during my development as a coach and teacher. His love for his wife, family, school, community, young people and Jekyll Island brings a smile to my face daily when thinking of him. Heaven just got a worthy and well decorated saint.
Aubrey Hammack
February 15, 2018
I was very saddened to learn of Coach Henderson's death. God Bless all of his family members.
Coach Billy Henderson during his Willingham years
Aubrey Hammack
February 15, 2018
Book published in 2011
Aubrey Hammack
February 15, 2018
Scott Sickler
February 15, 2018
Legendary coach and learned early on from another legend and his mentor in LaGrange's Oliver Hunnicutt. Like Hunnicut and Valdosta legends Wright Bazemore and Nick Hyder, Henderson was a throwback coach and had several outstanding teams at every school, especially Clarke Central. Some of the greatest GHSA playoff games were Henderson's Gladiators vs. Valdosta and LaGrange. There's been a plethora of great coaches in the GHSA ranks for over a hundred years and Henderson was one of the best and most well respected.
Kevin Powell
February 14, 2018
RIP Coach Henderson, a wonderful man. Deepest condolences to the Family and Friends..CSHS Class of 1980
Jon Maxwell
February 14, 2018
Coach you were one of the best men I've had the privilege of knowing. Rest in Peace you will never be forgotten.
Christian Terrell(Hodges)
February 14, 2018
Im sorry for your loss. I was as Clarke Central graduate c/o 95. Your family is in my prayers.
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