Tom Hendrix

Thomas Edward Hendrix of Nashville, Tennessee, formerly of Selmer and Counce, TN, a devoted family man, pioneering entrepreneur and servant leader, passed away peacefully, September 25, 2025 surrounded by loved ones.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings Etta Faye (Bob) Kennedy, Sarah Roslyn (Loyd) Ray, Alice Nell (Ray) Johnson, James Hoover (Virginia) Hendrix, Carlton Smith (Mary Sue) Hendrix, and infant sisters Johnnie Lenora and Peggy Sue. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sherry Lynne Smith Hendrix; daughters Susan Lynne O'Connell (Patrick) and Leigh Anne McWhorter (Stuart), both of Brentwood, TN; grandchildren Sarah Catherine and Sean O'Connell, Clayton, Thomas, Caroline, Marleigh, and Layla McWhorter; brother Lyndell Ray Hendrix (Loretta) of Bethel Springs; sister-in-law Jonetta Smith Vise (James T.) of Parsons, TN; and many nieces and nephews who loved him well.
Tom's journey began on April 2, 1932, born to Carlos and Icalena (Lena) Hendrix in rural McNairy County, TN. Working hard on the Hendrix Farm in Bethel Springs with his brothers and sisters taught him the value of hard work and commitment to family.
Tom patriotically served in the United States Army during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge as a Sergeant, he attended the University of Tennessee at Martin, studying agriculture and working his way through school selling Bibles door-to-door during summer breaks- his summer sales experience would become the spark that ignited a lifetime of entrepreneurial success.
While at UT Martin, he met Sherry Lynne Smith. They married in 1960 and began a life together that lasted 65 years. They raised two beautiful daughters and built an extraordinary life together full of adventures and love. Sherry was, without question, the love of his life.
In 1968, he and Sherry launched Henco, Inc. in Selmer, TN. With just $3,500 in borrowed capital, Henco grew into one of the nation's leading fundraising companies, operating in 46 states, generating $50 million in sales, and employing up to 900 people encouraging them to grow to their full potential in service to their fellowman. Later, at the young age of 65, he developed Henco Furniture in Selmer which became a regional shopper-entertainment destination, drawing families from six states. His television commercials with the tagline, "It's Worth the Drive" encouraged families to visit the unusual furniture store.
He was a visionary leader whose lifelong commitment to service, enterprise, and education left an indelible mark on West Tennessee and beyond. Named "Man-of-the-Year" by the McNairy County Chamber of Commerce in 1977, he went on to serve as West Tennessee Finance Chairman for Lamar Alexander's successful gubernatorial campaign in 1978, where he also interviewed and recommended candidates for key state commissioner roles. Tom was a member of Rotary International for over 40 years and a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow. In 1978, he was honored to receive the Horatio Alger Award recognizing him as an American who exemplified dedication, purpose and perseverance in their professional life. His leadership extended to Youth Town of Tennessee, where he served on the Executive Board from 1978 to 1983, including terms as Vice President and President. In 1983, as Fundraising Chairman for the McConnico Memorial Library in Selmer, $500,000 was raised through his efforts and presented to the library and McNairy County debt-free. Hendrix also served as McNairy County Commissioner, was a member of the West Tennessee Council of Boy Scouts and sat on the Board of Trustees at Lambuth College. He was nominated for the Freedoms Foundation Award by Freed-Hardeman University in 1983 and received the prestigious Herman Lay Award for Private Enterprise Education in 1985. His financial acumen was recognized through his roles as Director and Regional Director of First American National Bank in West Tennessee, and he contributed to healthcare as a board member of the Jackson-Madison County General Hospital Health Care Foundation. A celebrated speaker at the 1989 Small Business Awards Banquet in Jackson, he also served as President of the UT Martin Development Council and delivered the university's spring commencement address in 1990. In recognition of his enduring impact, he was honored as Alumni of the Year by the University of Tennessee at Martin. Tom's ventures also included Nasco, Inc. in Springfield, TN, Hendrix Orchard in Dandridge, TN, M & H Emu Ranch in Michie, TN and Bolivar Aviation in Bolivar, TN. His civic dedication matched his business success.
One of Tom Hendrix's proudest achievements was the establishment of the Tom E. Hendrix Chair of Excellence in Free Enterprise at the University of Tennessee at Martin-the first such chair in the State of Tennessee. Named in honor of his brilliant career in private enterprise, the Chair was endowed in 1985 for $1 million through a partnership between the State of Tennessee and Tom's personal contributions, making him UT Martin's largest living donor at the time. Tom envisioned the Chair as a way to expand research, offer more economic courses, educate teachers, and help the public appreciate the benefits of free enterprise. To Tom, free enterprise was not a system of greed but of service-a belief he embedded in Henco's statement of faith and lived out through his philanthropy.
He held affiliations with several civic and fraternal organizations, including the Masons (Scottish Rite), the Al Chymia Shrine Temple in Memphis. Tom found joy in reading, staying physically active, and cheering on college football and basketball teams. He cherished time spent with family and friends and had a deep love for travel.
Tom's heart for mentorship and cultural exchange led to one of the most meaningful decisions of his life: welcoming Swedish exchange student Anders Widestrand into the Hendrix home in 1983. What began as a school-year sponsorship blossomed into a lifelong bond. Anders quickly became part of the family, embracing American life with enthusiasm.
Later, Anders' younger brother Johan joined the Hendrix family for his own school year in 1987. In 1989, Tom and Sherry welcomed Spencer Cheng into their home, continuing the tradition of shared adventures, spirited dinner conversations, and deep connection. Tom and Sherry became "Mom and Dad" to all three young men, nurturing their growth and exposing them to the values of free enterprise, faith, and family. Anders, Johan (Camilla) and Spencer (Suzy) and their children (Emilia, Linnea Widestrand; Christian, Faith, Blake, and Nathan Cheng) brought joy and warmth into the Hendrix home. Their presence enriched every aspect of family life, and Tom often reflected that welcoming them was one of the best decisions he ever made.
Tom Hendrix lived a life of vision, generosity, and enduring faith. His contributions will ripple through generations, and his memory will remain a guiding light for all who knew him.
Tom's final act of generosity, he donated his body to science through Union University's Anatomical Bequest Program, Jackson, TN.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2025 at the First United Methodist Church in Selmer, TN. Receiving of friends will begin at 1:00 pm with the service at 2:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to Selmer First United Methodist Church, 1122 West Cherry Street, Selmer, TN 38375; McConnico Friends of the Library, 225 Oakgrove Road, Selmer, TN 38375; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Memphis, TN; or the charity of choice.