Charlie John Henderson

Charlie John Henderson was born in December 5th, 1933 in Coffee County, Alabama. He was named Charlie after his paternal grandfather who preached in Georgia and Alabama. He was one of nine children and his parents were Andrew James Henderson and Mary Ethel Carnley.

His brothers were James, Claud, and Luther, and sisters were Evelyn Wynell, Ruth, Pat, and Joyce.

The family was in Alabama until Charlie was eleven, when they moved back to Polk County and Winter Haven.

Charlie joined the United States Army in 1953 during the Korean War. He did basic training in Alabama at Ft. Rucker Army Base outside Enterprise. He serve the rest of his time at Ft. Bragg, Fayetteville, North Carolina. Being a part of the 82nd Airborne and making 32 jumps was a highlight of his life. He loved every minute of it and served until 1956. Participating in the Honor Guard and doing rifle maneuvers allowed him to be before many high personnel of the Army where they performed in celebrations and parades.

After serving in the Army, Charlie worked for Winn-Dixie as a supervisor before retiring and opening his own business, John Henderson Furniture and Appliances, with his wife Barbara.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Barbara Henderson; three children, Rev. Charles Ronnie Henderson, Allen Henderson, and Regina Brossant; as well as several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.