William Steve Hendrix

In 1945, the war in Europe was coming to an end. William "Paul" Hendrix had served his country in the military and had returned home to Newnan in 1944. He had found work as a carpenter in one of the larger manufacturing companies in Newnan and his family settled into their home on Fair Street. He and his wife, Lucille Stephens Hendrix, welcomed their first and only child into their world on May 26, 1945. William "Steve" Hendrix would become the center of their lives as long as they lived. Steve's athletic strengths became apparent early in life. It was a common saying that he liked any sport in which a round ball was involved. He was skillful, but never boastful. His leadership skills would instantly attract others who wanted to be on his team, be it golf, baseball, softball, volleyball, or tennis. Later in life he would pass along his skills to his life's best buddy, his son, Ryan. Steve graduated from Newnan High School in 1963, and from LaGrange College in 1967. He served in the Georgia National Guard from 1965-1967. In 1971, on a blind date, no less, he would meet the pretty young lady who would later share the next 54 years, lovingly, side by side. They were married in 1971. Reason would lead one to believe that a Georgia small town, "aw shucks" kind of guy who was raised on grits, the Baptist church, and home cooking, would be looking for someone like himself. The beautiful lady who stole his heart was far from that. Christine Caputo was a midwestern, Catholic, Italian girl who was in flight attendant training at Delta. Steve had some great qualities that attracted Chris. His eyes were bright and happy ones. He was not a big talker, but everything in his life was tempered by his deep sincerity for others, his profound faith in His God, his generosity towards those who needed a little help. He exhibited a silly little grin that always put others at ease. He possessed a profound sense of humor that would be so important in the later years of his life. Steve was owner and president of Coweta Motors from 1979-2007. He had a passion for muscle cars and owned several of them. He and Chris would be a fixture at as many car shows as they could squeeze into their busy lives. In the absence of a car show, he and Chris loved following their favorite football and basketball teams wherever they might be. Steve also loved music and had his home juke box full of the music of his youth. He even knew the stroll and the shag. He loved dancing with his best girl, Chris. Steve and Chris relocated to Sarasota, Florida in 2019 to be near their son, Ryan. Unfortunately, Steve was facing health challenges, but he always had his favorite Italian lady to be there for him. She would instinctively be the strength for Steve's every weakness. His last days were defined by his inability to communicate by speaking. Steve made up for that with the bright light in his eyes and the soft touch of hands that reassured everyone that the real Steve was still in that body that had failed him. On September 6, 2025, God quietly let him slip into eternity. Steve is survived by his earthly angel, Chris. Their 54 years of marriage is a testimony to the strength of a marriage founded on the principles of the God they both loved and served. Steve's life and strength of character are qualities cherished by his son Johnathan "Ryan" Hendrix and his wife Julia Weston Hendrix. He was the fully committed grandfather to his grandsons, Gunner Hendrix and Harley Hendrix. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Frank Caputo and his wife Debbie Harrison Caputo, sister-in-law Esther Caputo Simmons, and her husband John Simmons. His nephew Sammy Caputo and his wife Ally McDonald Caputo were a part of his extended family. Also surviving is a great nephew, Banks Caputo. He most surely treasured his 14-year-old fur baby. No list of survivors would be complete without his amazing friends from the Newnan High School Class of 1963. They made sure that he was never forgotten even after his relocation to Florida. That spoke well of both that group and their desire to communicate with their friend. When it is "all said and done", as the phrase goes, Steve wrote his own obituary. He built his life on true and deep values, a promise his steadfast heart would always keep. His legacy is not written in a book or a newspaper, but in the noble path his family took under his direction. The strength he showed, the kind and honest way he lived, shines on in all of us who live to this day. As long as we share the stories and follow the examples, he will still be with us. On October 13, 2025, there will be a gathering of family and friends between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm at McKoon Funeral Home and Crematory at 38 Jackson Street in Newnan. Memories will be shared and stories will be told (some true), feats of athletic ability will be recounted (few true), and hugs and handshakes will be exchanged. Flowers are a lovely means of remembrance, but Steve had a special place in his heart for our four legged friends. Please consider, instead, a memorial gift to the Newnan Coweta Humane Society: nchs@nchsrescue.org