Robert Tilmon "Bob" Henderson

1926 - 2012

On March 23, 2012, Robert Tilmon (Bob) Henderson joined his beloved son, Robert T. Henderson Jr.; father, O.L. Henderson; mother, Pearl Wilder Henderson; brothers, James, Bert and Oren; and sisters, Willie Belle, Doris and Frances, in the Lord's House.
Bob was born on Oct. 13, 1926, in Waycross, Ga., and raised in the Baptist church. He was a hero in many ways. He was a skilled athlete, lettering in four sports and Georgia State Champion in three track events. He is fondly remembered for making the winning touchdown against Valdosta!
He enlisted in the Navy at age 17. He was on-board the USS TERROR during the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa when it was struck by kamikaze. Bob remained active in the USAF Reserves until he retired in 1998 as a lieutenant colonel.
After the war he returned to school and graduated from the University of Georgia, where he enjoyed every facet of college life! He was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity and in his later years was a member of the "Traveling Sigs."
In the early 60's Bob moved his young family to South Walton County, only to move again to Shalimar, Fla., because there was "nothing but sand out there"! He was Director of the Fort Walton Beach YMCA for 20 years. Bob was a member of the Fort Walton Beach Rotary Club for many years and was proud to be named Rotarian of the Year in 1975. After retiring, Bob and Jo moved back to the old home in South Walton. Bob spent his retirement nurturing relationships with family, especially grandchildren. He fished, played golf and tended a fine garden. He was a lover of nature and a conservationist his entire life.
Bob is survived by Jo, his loving wife of 56 years; his son, Joseph (Jody); daughter-in-law, Cheryl; and four grandchildren, Bobby Henderson III, Alison Henderson, Kate Henderson and Ali Henderson. He also has many nieces and nephews throughout the United States.
The family would like to thank Robin Church, his primary caregiver and friend, for her dedicated care and service to the family.
Services will be conducted at the First United Methodist Church in Fort Walton Beach at 2 p.m. Monday, March 26, with visitation one hour before.
The family prefers that memorials and remembrances be made to Liza Jackson Preparatory School, in lieu of flowers.
Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.McLaughlinMortuary.com