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John Hendrick Obituary
Mr. Hendrick, passed away on Sunday, October 24, 2004 in a private airplane crash headed to the NASCAR event at Martinsville Speedway.
John was born January 15, 1951 in Richmond, VA. He lived his childhood near the small town of South Hill, VA, where he was active in sports, participating in baseball, basketball and track in high school. He also shared an interest for racing with his father and older brother, Rick.
Mr. Hendrick graduated from University of Cincinnati, with a Bachelor of Science degree before moving to North Carolina.
John began working in the automotive industry in 1978 at City Chevrolet in Charlotte, NC, before moving to Rick Hendrick Honda in West Columbia, SC, where he was named general sales manager. He later founded and operated JL Hendrick Management Corp. - which operates six car dealerships throughout the Carolinas and Florida.
In 1998, John Hendrick became president of Hendrick Motorsports while Rick battled leukemia. Under his leadership, HMS earned a fourth NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series championship, its third with driver Jeff Gordon. Mr. Hendrick regularly led weekly bible-study programs at Hendrick Motorsports with employees.
John Hendrick was well known for his passion and generosity in working with charities, especially those that support the disadvantaged youth. He served as chairman of the board for the Nazareth Children's Home in Rockwell, NC and served on the board of directors for Elon Homes for Children in Charlotte.
Snow skiing, playing golf and spending time with his family were some of the things he most enjoyed.
John is survived by his mother, Mary; wife and best friend, Cathy; daughter, Alesha; brother, Rick; niece, Lynn; grandchildren, Jocelyn and Joseph.
A memorial service for family and friends will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 28 at Central Church of God, 5301 Sardis Rd., Charlotte, NC.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hendrick Foundation for Children, P.O. Box 240070, Charlotte, NC 28224.
Lowe Funeral Home is serving the Hendrick Family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Hendrick
ROSA KELLY
July 30, 2011
may God be with all of the Hendrick family my prayers go out to all of you.
Bob Brogren
September 10, 2009
John was best man at my wedding to Carol and my instructor as an apprentice Funeral Director and Embalmer at Flowers Funeral Home in Henderson in 76 & 77. I thought he had lost his mind when he told me he was leaving The Funeral Industry to "sell used cars."
I will miss you, John.
Allen Babcock
December 27, 2004
Dear Hendrick family
I would like to say that I am deeply sadened with this tragedy on that Sunday in October when they were racing at Martinsville. I have to believe that 10 angels were watching over Jimie Johnson as he drove to vicorty and then he found out what had happened to the Hendrick Motorsports plane. I have to say even though I didn't know any one on that plane when I found out I just started crying because Hendrick Motorsports is my favorite team, it just felt like a peice of me is missing. I would just like to say that I think when Jimmie Johnson won in Atlanta he had 10 precious angels pushing him to victory.
Sharon & JC Robertson
December 21, 2004
We have a friend who works at Hendrick Motorsports and over the past few years we have made many wonderful visits there. On our last visit in February of this year, we saw John Hendrick having a Bible study in the museum lobby with some of the employees. This is the thought that came to my mind whenever I heard the tragic news. John Hendrick was obviously a man who loved God and his fellow man. I'm sure those who knew him personally could attest to that fact, but I wonder how many others, like myself and my son, who just passed through the museum on any given day and witnessed one of those Bible studies left there just a little bit better because of it? This, I think, is what Christ meant when he said, "As you go forth into the world, teach the good news..." This is the kind of light that shines on forever - a life which reflects the love of God - a light that I know will be sorely missed.
Melissa
December 4, 2004
*What a wondeful person you were. May God be with your family and friends*
Louie Levasseur
November 18, 2004
I have been a race car fan since I was 3 years old. I am almost 14, I have always looked up to you and your family, all the wonderful things you have done in this world will not be forgotten. God bless your family in this very sad time. Your are in my thoughts and prayers. Bless you and I know you will be watching over all your drivers, especially my driver since I was 3 Jeff Gordon.
Louie Levasseur, Caribou, Maine
sharon grant
November 10, 2004
God Bless You.
Wendell Keith bradley
November 8, 2004
on behalf of the bradley family , we are praying for the 10 people who lost their lives.
Charylene Matthews
November 3, 2004
On behalf of my family and I, please accept our sincere and heartfelt condolences on the passing of John and his daughters. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
David Kent
November 2, 2004
THE ADMIRATION OF WONDERFUL PEOPLE ARE NEVER SEEN UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE.LIFE IS A GAME AND HE PLAYED IT WELL.FROM ALL THAT NEW HIM ,HE WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED,THE LOVED ONES ARE TRUELY THE ONES THAT SUFFER.
Tracy Thomas
November 2, 2004
My heart goes out to all of the familys that lost someone on that plane. Just know that heaven is a brighter place now and that they are all smiling down on us.Rest in peace our beloved friends, you will truely be missed.
Simpson Family
November 2, 2004
Having met John on many occassions at Concord Motorsport Park, I can truly say he was a great man. He was so cheerful and friendly. My deepest sympathy goes out to you. I hope a strong faith in who John was will get you through these hard times. Remember the best and know that he will never be forgotten.
Gina Deskins
November 2, 2004
I wanted to say i'm sorry for the losses of those you love.My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Amy Gilmore
November 1, 2004
Thoughts and prayers for family and friends
Randy Young
November 1, 2004
I am a member of the Joe Jackson family and wanted to express my dearest sympthany for the entire Hendrick family and let you know that Joe thought a lot of John and Rick. Any time that Joe came home to Mississippi with Jan and a conversation came up that had anything to do with racing, he would perk up and smile.
I want to thank the entire Hendrick and NASCAR family for all of the love and support that I have seen they have shown to Jan and her kids.
connie meekins
November 1, 2004
your family and the whole hendrick group are in my prayers:: GodBLESSyou all
David and Barbara Schell
November 1, 2004
Please know that this tragedy has touched countless of lives and has saddened so many people,to include us. God be with you.
kevin mccarthy
November 1, 2004
My heart goes out to your family how hard it must be to losse a dad and two beautiful daughters
Angie McConnnell
November 1, 2004
My thoughts and prayers go out the entire hendrick family and friends of the family. I know this is sad time for everyone involved. No words can be said to comfort you but know we are thinking about all of you and may our prayers bring some comfort to everone.
kathy f
October 31, 2004
My deepest sympathy to the entire Hendrick family. May god bless you all and help to comfort you during this difficult time.
fran pitt
October 31, 2004
want to send condolences to alll the hendrick family. you will be missed
Mary Lou Whaley
October 31, 2004
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time in your lives. God bless all.
liz elkins
October 31, 2004
I can't even imagine the loss that your family is dealing with. Just remember that God has a plan for us all. We may not understand now, but one day you will see him again. I will remember you in prayer.
Amanda Warfield
October 31, 2004
I have had a few days since Lynn's very touching eulogy, and the very powerful words at the memorial, to gather my thoughts here. John touched so many people. But at the service last week, he touched me directly, through Christ, our savior. I am so sorry for this loss, but I want you to know that John will not be forgotten. My prayers are with you all as you grieve as a family. Godspeed.
RICH CINQMARS
October 30, 2004
YOU WILL BE MISSED BY ALL REST IN N PEACE
William Doss
October 30, 2004
All the staff and viewers of daleeinc want to post our condolences and let everyone know that you are in our prayers.
Webmaster
William D Doss
Ken&Bev Mcgregor
October 30, 2004
Your Canadian Fans wish to let you know we are thinking about you and are sending are condolence
Steven Mills
October 30, 2004
On behalf of my family, I send our condolences to the Hendrick family and the families of those people lost on Sunday. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time
Christopher and Stephanie Ayers
October 30, 2004
My wife and I worked at Nazareth Children's Home during the years of 1992 through 1994. During this time, we met John Hendrick and found him to be one of the most caring individuals we have met. His concern for the children and staff was unsurpassed. Once he helped us with a special need without hesitation or questions. I know Nazareth will miss him greatly as you will; but our loss is heaven's gain. My family sends its deepest sympathies for all of your losses. May God shelter you in His arms during this time of great need and sorrow. Please contact us if we can ever help you.
Dannie Hilton
October 30, 2004
God be with you.
D.A.A.R.A.
October 30, 2004
THE ENTIRE DAARA ORGANIZATION EXPRESS THEIR FEELINGS FOR YOUR LOSS IN THE FAMILY.
Debbie Gutierrez
October 30, 2004
Linda, Alesha and Grandbabies,
The loss and pain of loved ones is unbearable. Hopefully you will find some comfort in what is written below. May God's Angels surround you with love, thoughts and prayers and carry you through the gloomy days ahead.
THE BROKEN CHAIN
We little knew that morning that GOD was going to call their names. In life we loved them dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose them, they did not go alone; for part of us went with them, the day GOD called them home. They left us peaceful memories, their love is still our guide; and though we cannot see them, they are always at our side. The family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same; but as GOD calls us one by one, THE CHAIN will link again.
Brian Snyder
October 30, 2004
My heart goes out to the entire Hendrick family. In heaven you are always a winner
terry billingsley
October 30, 2004
iam hugs race car fan and i was sadden bye the plane crash my prayers go out to you and your family
Debra Maloney
October 30, 2004
For every tear that falls, there is a prayer in my heart for you.
beverly barraque
October 30, 2004
You and your family may be gone from this earth, but all of you will be remembered forever. God Bless
ROSA kelly
October 29, 2004
WE ARE VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS AND OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERSGO OUT TO ALL YOUR FAMILY. SINCERELY MR MS TONY L KELLY DEVOTED AND LOYAL JEFF GORDON AND HENDRICKS MOTOR SPORTS BIGGEST FANS
Jackie & Lynn Faircloth
October 29, 2004
God blesses those whom he favors.
October 29, 2004
Mrs. Hendrick..I feel your loss for your husband and children. I lost a child myself and this poem helped me so much. I would like to share it with you..
I'LL LEND YOU A CHILD
I'll lend you for a little time a child of mine, he said.
For you to love the while he lives, and mourn for when he's dead.
It may be 6 or 7 yrs. or 22 or 3,
But will you, til I call him back, take care of him for Me?
He'll bring his smiles to gladden you, and should his stay be brief,
You'll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn.
I've looked this wide world over in my search for teachers true,
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, I have selected you.
Now will you give him all your love, nor count the labor vain,
Nor hate Me when I come to call to take him back again?
I fancied that I heard them say, "Dear Lord, Thy will be done,
For all the joy Thy child shall bring, the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we've known
forever grateful stay.
But should the angels call for him
much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.
author unknown
May God bless and keep you ever in His loving care...
John Di Lello
October 29, 2004
My heart and prayers go out to the entire Hendrick family as well as the families of all the other victims of the terrible tragedy. May God bless you all and lean on Him to help you through this.
LOWELL GWIN
October 29, 2004
Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family and friends during these trying times.
Tom & Joy Davidson
October 29, 2004
No words can express how deepley your loss may be felt, but know that the entire country will have you and the rest of the families in their thoughts and prayers for quite a long time.
Sandy
October 29, 2004
My thoughts and prayers are with you, please remember God has them in his hands.
Blacey Futtner
October 29, 2004
On behalf of all my NASCAR friends and family, We extend our sympathy to the Hendrick family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Pam Harman
October 29, 2004
My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family during this hardest of times.
Sinh Dang
October 29, 2004
When I heard the news of a plane crash on the rainy Wednesday morning (10/27) on KWFB radio, the familiar name "Hendrick" did hit me and I was wondering if this family related to one of the Reynolds largest dealership customers that I have had the honor to do the F&I Programming support for many years now... My fear became reality when the next day my company announced the CareFest Friday to honor the Hendrick crash victims; my heart sank!!!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you rest in peace, and may your family has the strength to move on with their lives.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Rick & Debbie & Mary Kurtz
October 29, 2004
Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this time. We appreciate everything John has done over the years and will continue to keep you in our prayers.
Parker Fee
October 29, 2004
To John Hendrick,
I know there are angels, and I know there Racers. but John Hendricks was a man who was both deep down inside . He will be missed and always remembered as a true man of strength,Trust,Honor, conviction to his Team and Family, The smile he brought to this Fan will never be forgotten, May you go now John to where there is Angels waiting and racers waving, God Bless& Amen
Your Friend Parker fee
Eugene Zommer
October 29, 2004
My thoughts and prayes are with you and your family through this tough time.
#5..#24..#25..#48
Kerri Zommer
October 29, 2004
I am sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prays are with you and your family through your tough time.
#5..#24..#25..#48
Jack & Rita Forbes
October 29, 2004
Loyal fans of Hendrick Motorsports
kristen jefferies
October 29, 2004
my thoughts and prayers go out to everyone may god bless
Dave Nowakowski
October 29, 2004
God bless you and all families involved. My prayers are with you and the ones closed to all involved. GOD SPEED AND NEVER FORGET
TERRY HUNTER
October 29, 2004
YOU HAVE MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY AT THIS TIME OF GREAT SORROW!!
Robert E. Manis
October 29, 2004
My prayer go out to the family in this time of trial.God Love you
Nancy Gooch Auth
October 29, 2004
Kathy, my heart goes out to you in your hour of such great loss. My prayers, and those of my friends here in Richmond are with you and all your family. May God be with you in each step you take, and may you find comfort to know that all of us who grew up with you still care very deeply about you and wish you well.
Vicky Stefanik
October 29, 2004
Please accept my sympathies to your entire family for this tragic and untimely loss. May you find the strength you need in those who have surrounded you with their love and support. May God hold you all in the palm of His hand.
Harry & Portia Weatherly
October 29, 2004
Mrs. Hendrick. Our son-in-law worked at Hendrick Honda (South Blvd) for many years. Two years ago, we lost him due to cancer. During the time he was in the hospital, John visited my daughter on many occasions and the entire Hendrick organization was there for us. John gave us much needed support and he will always be one of the blessed people we have met. We can only share in a small way your grief and sorrow. God bless you
SHIRLEY RUSSELL
October 29, 2004
My heart and love goes out to each one of you. My son, Joey, worked for Mr. Hendricks and always enjoyed working for him. Joey and Mike, your son in law, are good friend. Out thoughts and prayers are with you each day. May God's love and the faith you have keep you in the shelter of his care.
Monique Millender
October 29, 2004
You will be missed. Thank you for making the racing community a better place.
Pat Long
October 29, 2004
Pause, Pray, Perservere.
Gods' speed.
henry alderman
October 29, 2004
Thanks John & Hendrick Motorsports &24..Love henry
Joe Morgan
October 29, 2004
You loss will never be forgoten, as long as there is stil 1 raceing fan alive on this earth your legand will live on forever. God speed
Jay Jenkins
October 29, 2004
My life is better for having known John Hendrick. He loved his family and loved the Lord. He was a great role model for any Christian and any husband. Thank you for touching my heart.
sharon Bailey
October 29, 2004
I am so sorry maybe this will help in the time of need.
If I should ever leave you,
Whom I love
To go along the silent way,
Grieve not,
Nor speak of me with tears.
But laugh and talk of me
as if I were beside you there
For I will come-I'll come!
Would I not find a way,
Were tears and grief not be barriers?
And when you hear a song or see a bird I loved,
Please do not let your thoughts of me be sad.
For I am loving you just as I always have . . .
You who were so good to me!
There are so many thing I wanted still to do-
So many things to say to you . . .
Remember, please, that I did not fear death.
It was just leaving you that was so hard to face.
You cannot see beyond this life
But this you know . . . I loved you so
Never doubt that I am with you still!
For love does not die with the body
And nothing in heaven or on earth
Can keep apart those who love.
Sharon Bailey
October 28, 2004
I am so sorry that this happen to your family.May god comfort you in this time of need.God bless you.
Jane Tatum
October 28, 2004
May God comfort your family right now, and may His Peace encircle them. What a wonderful sight the angels had when you two sisters came to the gates of heaven together. In Christ, Jane Tatum
Kelly Austin
October 28, 2004
May the good lord be with your family and comfort them. We all know John that you are in a much better place, but you will be missed.
jeffrey elmo
October 28, 2004
my prayers are with each of you at your time of sorrow. god bless each of you.take a look at the sky at night and see the bright eyes shinning .
Kelli Clarke
October 28, 2004
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
joe and jackie johnson
October 28, 2004
we are parying for you and all of the hendrick families. and all the team members as well and their famileis. joe and jackie
Jerrod Mowery
October 28, 2004
May god bless the John Hendrick family in this time of need.
Mike Haridopolos
October 28, 2004
We will miss you. My prayers are with your family and NASCAR at this trying time.
Debbie Sager
October 28, 2004
May God Bless the whole Hendrick family. Our thoughts & prayers are with all the grieving families & friends.
teresa powell
October 28, 2004
rest in peace
merle watkins
October 28, 2004
May God be with you
Shell & Laurie Berry
October 28, 2004
Hendrick Family, you are in our prayers. The Funeral today was an absolute blessing. What a tremendous testimony to your families faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ! Thank you for sharing the service. John 14
Angie & Jim Bragg
October 28, 2004
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Hendrick family. We are so sorry for your loss. God Bless!
krista grant
October 28, 2004
May God bless you in your time of need.
Dan Babb
October 28, 2004
The Hendrick family have my deepest sympathy and are in my prayers. NASCAR has lost a great part of it's family!! MAY GOD BE WITH EACH AND EVERY SOUL AND WELCOME THEM INTO HIS KINGDOM.
Jerry Bohannon
October 28, 2004
God Bless all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.
Bill & Diane Hodges
October 28, 2004
Just thinking about your family and friends.
EMMA JONES
October 28, 2004
MA GOD BLESS YOU I AM SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR LOSS
Sean Mantler
October 28, 2004
I would like to express my deepest sorrow for the friends and family of John Hendrick. He will be sorely missed.
Sincerely,
Sean Mantler
Tampa, FL
DALE MOBLEY
October 28, 2004
TO THE HENDRICK FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
I JUST WANT TO EXPRESS MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO YOU AND YOURS.MAY GOD GRANT YOU STRENGTH AND PEACE AT THIS TRYING TIME.TRY TO REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES AND KNOW THAT ONE DAY YOU WILL ALL BE TOGETHER AGAIN. WITH LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING. DALE MOBLEY
ROBERT STUART
October 28, 2004
CATHY AND FAMILY,
OUR PRAYERS OUR WITH YOU AND YOUR LOVING FAMILY IN THIS DIFFICULT TIME.
Honda Cars of Bradenton
October 28, 2004
Our hearts were joined as one on October 28, 2004 at 2PM. On this day our thoughts and prayers are with you. We remembered today how your family has touched our lives and will continue to touch our lives. They will be remembered. From your extended family at Honda Cars of Bradenton.
Dave, Holly, Sarah & Jarrod Dullas
October 28, 2004
May God be with you at this time in your life. I could never imagine what you must be going through at this time. I wish you all the best and hope that somehow things will get better and life can once again go on.
Brian Smith
October 28, 2004
our prayers and thoughts are with the entire family at this tragic time.
Barbara Johnson
October 28, 2004
Cathy, my thoughts and prayers go out to you. Before Sunday I knew nothing about you , your girls, or your husband. I feel I have come to know how wonderful your family is these past several days. Reading the papers each day, I think of you with great sympathy. I am also a mother of a 22 year old. I could never begin to know what you are going through today. It sounds as if your family was full of love and devotion. My prayer for you will be that those loving memories will sustain you in the months and years to come. May God's light shine upon you and your daughter, her husband, and your precious grandbabies.
Tommy & Tammy Davis
October 28, 2004
To Cathy and family,
We are sure if your loved ones were asked if they would like to come back, they would say "No, we love it here"! Heaven is the best place anyone could be.
We wanted you to know that we have no idea the pain you are feeling, but we will be praying that God will ease your pain today and in the days ahead . . . . hold on to God's promises that one day the Hendrick family will be together again.
God Bless you.
JENNIFER JONES
October 28, 2004
I AM VERY SORRY FOR YOU LOST.GOD BLESS AND TAKE CARE.TO THE HENDRICK FAMILY.
nicole gibson
October 28, 2004
I would like to just send my condolences to all the Hendrick family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
rick Gorske
October 28, 2004
This day was one I will never forget I was at the track supporting the hendrick team and walked away happy to only find out about the loss of a great team and a great man. God bless you and watch over you till we all meet in heaven
Jill
October 28, 2004
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sorrow time. May God Bless you.
Jessica
October 28, 2004
NASCAR has suffered its greatest loss since Dale Sr. As always we pull together and share in the grief with your family. I pray that our thoughts and love will comfort your family in this hard time. God bless you.
Tater Thomas
October 28, 2004
Our Thoughts An Prayers Will be with you,,
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