Rev. Earl E Hendrix

In the early morning hours of November 8th, 2017, Rev. Earl Hendrix, took his final breath and walked into the presence of the Lord, who he had served for many years. Rev. Hendrix, was born on June 17, 1938 in Woodruff, SC. He was the son of the late William Chester Hendrix, and Mattie Lee Minor Hendrix. He is pre-deceased by his loving & caring wife and partner in the ministry, Mrs. Gwen Hendrix, his brothers, Mr. Hubert Hendrix, Mr. Jack Hendrix, Mr. Ray Hendrix and his sisters, Mrs. Virginia (Hendrix) Jackson, & Mrs. Juanita (Hendrix) Fowler. He is survived by his son, Robbie Hendrix, and daughter in law Lana, of Campobello, his Grandchildren; Megan Hendrix & Zach Hendrix of Inman, Tiffany (Kevin) Lancaster & Maggie Grace of Union, Houston (Courtney) Price & Grant Price of Inman, one sister, Mrs. Frankie (Hendrix) Proffitt of Spartanburg, and two sisters in laws, Mrs. Miriam Hendrix of Inman & Mrs. Lovonia Hendrix of Spartanburg. In addition, he has many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He served in the United States Navy & worked at Faultless Rubber, prior to being called into the ministry. He began his ministry at First Free Will Baptist Church, Inman, SC in the spring of 1967 and faithfully served as Pastor, Sunday School Teacher, Choir Leader, and many other areas. In 1974 he and his wife felt the need for a Christian school, and the doors of Inman Christian Academy were opened. This ministry provided loving childcare and education to many children over the years. Not only has he served in Inman, but throughout various areas of the Free Will Baptist movement at the local, state and national levels. He has actively supported the Beaver Creek Conference for over 50 years as a member, and on the Ordaining Council from 2004-2016. He served on the State Home Mission for 12 years, 10 of those years as the Chairman. He spent 20 years as a member of the Southeastern Free Will Baptist College Board, and 12 years on the National Board of Retirement and the National Executive Committee. Rev. Hendrix along with his wife, Gwen, were faithful supporters of missions, both at home and abroad. After the passing of his wife, Rev. Hendrix, and the International Hispanic Mission opened the "Gwen Hendrix" Hispanic Institute in Inman, SC to train men and women to serve as Pastors, Pastors Wives, Teachers, and laymen in the ministry. The Institute which now is in Oklahoma, Texas, and Tennessee, has seen the graduation of over 100 students, which are in service for the Lord in the United States, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Costa Rico, Columbia, and many other areas. Over the years many lives have been touched by his faithfulness and willingness to serve the Lord with an ever-present-smile and heart that is always mindful of what God has done for him and through him. Pastor Hendrix was a friend to those who knew him, and an example to all those he met along the way. He will be greatly missed by not only his family, but his loving church family, and the many friends he has in the ministry. With much sadness, yet with the joy, we know that he was greeted in Heaven, with these words, "Welcome to Heaven my Child." "You have fought the good fight, you have finished the course, you have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for you a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give you this day. Enter into the joy of the Lord." The family is at the home and will receive friends Friday, November 10, 2017 at Inman First Freewill Baptist Church, 6:00 until 9:00 PM. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, November 11, 2017 at the church conducted by Rev. Sean Fortner, Rev. Van Dale Hudson, Rev. Bobby Bowers, and Rev. Wesley Campbell. Burial with military honors will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Inman. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Missions of Inman First Freewill Baptist Church, 90 Blackstock Road, Inman, SC 29349.