Wayne was born on July 18, 1953, to William D. and Bernice L. Henson in Little Rock, Arkansas. After Wayne graduated from Northside High School – Fort Smith in 1972, he went on to become a Master Electrician. He was the owner/operator of Henson Electric for over 40 years. Wayne took immense pride in his trade, and he had a reputation of excellence. His colleagues remember him as being a hard-working, dependable perfectionist. Wayne enjoyed his work so much that his trade became like a craft to him, and he was especially known for being the man to call for difficult jobs. He was never one to brag about himself on a job well done, but he led with unspoken confidence and competency that were undeniable.
In his younger years, he enjoyed fast cars, motorcycles, playing pool and hanging out with “the boys” at the shop. He saved his money working first as a newspaper boy and then as a grocery sacker to buy his first hot rod. Always wild at heart, he loved to tell stories about outrunning the law in his muscle cars, raising cain around Fort Smith and causing trouble with his brothers. He also loved to tell the story of his memorable motorcycle trip to the Gulf with his best childhood friend, the late Tim Garrett. Wayne was an amazing storyteller with a sharp wit and unmatched charisma.
Throughout his adulthood, Wayne was an excellent provider for his family. Every major street in Fort Smith and the surrounding areas has at least one location that has been serviced by Henson Electric. Being the humble, strong, fierce leader of the family, he worked tirelessly, sometimes months without a day off, to provide a good life for those he loved. He did this, in the rain or shine, without complaint, driven primarily by the love he had for his girls. Wayne would always find time to take a break, though, to attend his daughters' sporting events and activities throughout their youth, always waiting to sneak in some fatherly advice along the way.
During his retirement, Wayne was fortunate enough to mark off many “bucket list” adventures. Realizing a long-time dream to harness his photography skills in beautiful locations like the Grand Canyon and Hawaii. The photographs he took during these excursions will be cherished by the family for generations. Loved ones deeply wish his retirement years had not been cut short, because they were looking forward to many more adventures and memories with him.
In addition to his career as an electrician, Wayne had a talent for mosaics. His projects grace the residences of friends as well as his own self-crafted home. The largest piece being a 5’X6’ mosaic of the “Slobbering Hog” (which he affectionately named Floyd) in the center of his man-cave, his favorite room in the house. The home he built was finished just before the Razorbacks won the 1994 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. The local news came to his home for an interview highlighting Wayne’s Razorback tile project. Wayne was a diehard Hog Fan. Over the years, many friends and family made contributions to his collection of Razorback memorabilia. The room is nothing short of a shrine to the Hogs... WPS!!! It brings much comfort to the family knowing Wayne was able to go to rest in his happy place, his “Hog Room,” with his beloved best four-legged friend, Dozer, at his feet.
Wayne was preceded in death by his mother, Bernice L. Henson; his father, William D. Henson; his brothers, William “Bug” Henson and Charles Henson; two sisters, Brenda Kay Rogers and Jackie Fimple and his beloved nephew, Dawton Wayne Henson.
Wayne is survived by his devoted wife, Shelly Henson; his five adored daughters, Brandy Franklin, Jill Rogers, Billie Henson, Whitley Velasquez and Haley Brown; his nine cherished grandchildren, Tyler Trozzi, Mikayleigh Davis, Gracie Davis, Brayedan Davis, Drayke Henson, Jake Rogers, Jillian Rogers, Jack Rogers and Avery Velasquez; his precious great grandchild, Karter James Trozzi; his sister, Connie Henson as well as multiple bonus grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research to help continue his fight.
Funeral service will be held 2 p.m., Wednesday, September 6 at McConnell Funeral Home Chapel in Greenwood. Viewing will be Tuesday from 1 – 7 p.m. at the funeral home, where the family will visit with friends from 5 – 7 p.m.
Honorary pallbearers will be Tyler Trozzi, Brayedan Davis, Drayke Henson, Jake Rogers, Jack Rogers, Karter James Trozzi and Joseph Henson.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit www.mcconnellfh.com.
