Archie Alvin Hendry III

1934 - 2017

Archie Alvin Hendry, III

Jensen Beach, FL

Archie Alvin Hendry, III (Al) was born February 3, 1934 in Fort Pierce, Florida. Al passed away in his Jensen Beach home with grace and dignity in the early morning of September 23, 2017 in the presence of his loving wife, Karen. The son of Archie Alvin Hendry, Jr. and Lydia Hazell Hendry, he lived his remarkable life believing in the power of a positive attitude. He lived by this saying...

"Our lives are not determined by what happens to us...But, how we react to what happens...Not by what life brings to us... But by the attitude we bring to life...A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. It is a catalyst...A spark that creates extraordinary results!"

Yes, beyond a doubt, Al was the spark that created this extraordinary life. Shortly after his birth in Fort Pierce, Al and his family moved to Jensen Beach, Florida. As an active strong young man he surrounded his life with many passions. The beautiful water and land around him inspired him to become an avid fisherman, boater, water skier and diver.

The land around him called to Al and he began to see an enormous opportunity before him. His work ethic and love of business started at this young age. Under the guidance and encouragement of his father, Buck, Al had many interesting earlier experiences. Whether it was helping with the many chores at the rental cottages his father owned, beekeeping or selling fish and seahorses to tourists, this young entrepreneur and risk taker had found his way!

Al and his brother John, both Martin County High School graduates (1952 and 1953) created a cattle ranch with about 50 head of cattle west of Jensen Beach. By 1952 the Willis brothers, Robert and William joined the Hendry brothers and established the 150 acre W and H Ranch. After selling some cattle, he attended the University of Florida School of Business. In 1954 he began his military service in the United States Coast Guard stationed in Traverse City, Michigan. By 1958, Al returned to Jensen Beach and assisted his father at the Hendry Trading Center. Shortly there after Tri-County Gas was established with his father and brother. From this business Econo Gas of Jupiter, Orlando Gas and Western Energy were founded.

Another business venture Al and business associate, Bill Bessemer acquired about 14 acres on US1 in Stuart and developed B & A Industrials. The Industrial park included rental buildings with a section of land providing acreage for a weekend flea market enterprise. Al spent Saturdays and Sundays riding on his golf cart saying hello to his vendors and greeting customers. At this time he also developed North Stuart Centre, Fort Pierce Business Park and Bandy Steel.

Al was devoted to the Martin County Community. A great part of his life was spent belonging to many associations. Al was President of the Florida Propane Association (1970) and received the Appreciation/Distinguished Award twice. Serving the Martin County Planning and Zoning Board he was a member chairman. He was appointed by Governor Graham to the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Board. Al was Vice President and Trustee of Martin Memorial Hospital and served on the Martin County Health Advisory. Al was director of First American Bank and First National Band and Trust of Stuart. Serving as director and Vice President of Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce, he also enjoyed his membership in the Jensen Beach Chamber of Commerce and Stuart Sailfish Club.

Al's greatest joy was spending countless hours on the water. Spending time on his beloved boat "The Albegone" was according to Al...one of the greatest times of his life. Countless years tournament fishing, diving, spear fishing were spent on the water in Stuart and the Bahamas.

Time spent at his home in Islamorada let Al enjoy time on the water with his family. One of his greatest pleasures was dive season. His children and grandchildren all joined together for this family ritual.

As a member of Willoughby Golf Club, Stuart, Florida and Wildcat Cliffs Country Club in Highlands, North Carolina Al enjoyed many rounds of golf and also played croquet. The Highlands home in North Carolina was a great retreat to enjoy the cool mountain air with friends and family. He loved to dance and enjoyed evening parties at the club.

At his Rockin H Ranch he enjoyed many happy times especially running his loader.

Indeed, Al had many achievements in this extraordinary life. One of his greatest pleasures was watching his three children, David, Gary and Marcia become such an integral part of the Stuart, Florida Community. They will carry on with the Hendry legacy with the same strength and passion of their father.

A special blessing entered his life...the love of his life Karen. Together as husband and wife they enjoyed making a loving home always surrounded by family and the best of friends. All the beautiful places visited around the world could not compare to his home in Stuart. While enjoying dinner overlooking the Saint Lucie River Al would often comment how fortunate he was to live in the most beautiful place in the world!

Al is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Karen (Lauria); son David Hendry Satur (Karen), granddaughter, Jennifer Brown (Moose) great grandchildren, Killian and Madden; son Gary Hendry (Marcia), grandchildren, Wyatt, Garrett, Alana and Evie; daughter, Marcia Hendry Coker (Dutch), grandchildren, Aubree and Saydee; mother-in-law, Katherine Lauria, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Philip and Elaine Lauria and Eleanor and Lawrence Sadlocha, niece, Colleen Newell, nephews, Ian and Aaron Sudlocha and Philip Lauria.

Al was preceeded in death by his parents, Archie Alvin Hendry, Jr (Buck) and Lydia Hazell Hendry and brother, John H. Hendry.

Church Service will be 11 AM, Friday, September 29, 2017 at First United Methodist Church of Stuart, 1500 South Kanner Highway, Stuart, Florida 34994.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center, 501 SE Osceola St, Stuart, FL 34994.

Arrangements under the direction of Treasure Coast Seawinds Funeral Home in Stuart. Memories and condolences may be made at www.treasurecoastseawinds.com.