Judge William Hendry

Judge William Leslie "Bill" Hendry, 96, of Okeechobee, passed away peacefully at his home on September 26, 2025. Born July 29, 1929, at his grandfather Jack Hendry's home in Okeechobee, he was the son of William J. Hendry and Hope Duncanson Hendry.

At a young age Bill was shaped by a strong family legacy of service, hard work, and community involvement. As a teenager, he worked for his family's cattle ranch, fish house (Osceola Fisheries Co.), and flower farm. His father William J. Hendry served as mayor of Okeechobee and as a state representative for six terms in Tallahassee. His mother, Hope, was a nurse and served on the Okeechobee County School Board.

Bill graduated from Okeechobee High School in 1947, where he played football for four years serving as captain and co-captains and was a charter member of the school band. He was a Boy Scout, attaining his Eagle Scout degree in 1943. He attended the University of Florida, earning a B.S. in Agriculture in 1952. His studies were interrupted when he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, serving from 1950 until discharge in 1954 as Chief Clerk of the Legal Department at Pinecastle AFB. Bill returned to the University of Florida to attend Law School, earning his law degree, and was subsequently admitted to the Florida Bar in 1957.

Judge Hendry owned a private law practice for 23 years in Okeechobee where he built a distinguished legal career. He served as County Attorney for 21 years, City Attorney for 10 years, and was instrumental in developing the first Code of Ordinances for the City of Okeechobee. In 1981 he was elected County Judge and in 1984 was appointed by Governor Bob Graham as Circuit Judge of the 19th Judicial Circuit, becoming the first Okeechobee resident to serve in that capacity. He later served as Chief Judge of the 19th Circuit from 1990 to 1993 and continued as a Senior Judge until 2008. His colleagues and community remember him as a fair, dedicated, and compassionate jurist whose service spanned half a century.

His dedication extended beyond the courtroom. In 1959, he was appointed as a founding member of the Board of Trustees of Indian River State College. Together with fellow trustee Ben Dixon, they obtained a branch campus in Okeechobee, which grew into today's Dixon-Hendry Campus. He served on the Raulerson Hospital Board for six years. He was a member of the American Legion, Masonic Lodge, Shrine Club, Kiwanis, and Okeechobee Historical Society. He was a UF/IFAS Master Gardener, collecting and propagating over 100 varieties of crotons, a stamp collector since the second grade, and a collector of historical papers since 1939. Bill and Merle enjoyed cheering on their University of Florida Gator football team with family and friends. He was a member of the First Methodist Church of Okeechobee for 79 years.

Judge Hendry met Etta Merle Sullivan at a gathering on the north shore of Lake Okeechobee in 1948. They married in 1951, and together they raised three children and enjoyed 72 years of marriage until her passing in 2023. They shared a love for travel, exploring 49 states and 58 countries, while always returning to their beloved Okeechobee. Judge Hendry leaves a legacy of a life of service, integrity, and devotion to family and community.

Judge Hendry was preceded in death by his beloved wife Etta Merle Hendry, his parents, William and Hope Hendry, son William J. "Chip" Hendry, and great grandchildren, Matilda Grace Roberts, Waylon Robert Butler, and John Kyle Ellis.

He is survived by his daughters, Pamela H. Butler (Bob), Dion H. Raulerson (Tommy); daughter in law, Marilyn Hendry; six grandchildren, Brandy Ellis (John), Ben Butler (April), Katie Butler, Jennifer Gagliano (Dan), Will Butler (Lauren), and Andy Hendry; nine great grandchildren, Macin Raulerson, Brynlee Roberts, Madison Ellis, Hannah Butler, Claire Butler, Zoey Roberts, J.T. Gagliano, J.W. Roberts, and Loretta Butler; and sister in law, Carol Ann Daughtrey.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025 from 9:30 am until service at 11am at the First Methodist Church (200 NW 2nd Street, Okeechobee, FL) followed by a recessional tribute around the Historic Okeechobee Courthouse. Internment to follow at Evergreen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Real Life Children's Ranch (RLCR.org, 7777 US Hwy 441 SE, Okeechobee, FL 34974), the Okeechobee Historical Society (PO Box 973, Okeechobee, FL 34973) or Residing Hope (fka Florida United Methodist Children's Home) (residinghope.org, 51 Children's Way, Enterprise, FL 32725).

Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at, www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com

All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida, 34972.