Sylvester "Ray" Henderson Jr.

Sylvester "Ray" Henderson, Jr. was born August 8, 1937 in Batbush, North Carolina to the late Lillie and Sylvester Henderson. The family relocated to New York when Ray was five years old. Ray was a big brother to his sister Lucy (Gerty). At 11 years old, Ray’s mom died and it was then he went to live with his grandparents.

At the early age of 13, Ray became interested in baseball that continued throughout his life. At the age of 17, Ray was invited to try out for the White Sox Minor League in Sarasota, Florida.

At the age of 18 in 1955, Ray went into the US Navy which would be the beginning of a career that spanned over 30 years. Ray would retire from the US Navy honorably as an E9, the highest level for an enlisted man.

It was during his time in the Navy that Ray developed his passion and skill for cooking. Ray was known for his culinary efforts and in this day and age where it’s just as easy to go out to eat, he preferred staying at home and cooking himself.

Ray, who was considered a loner, loved the water and also loved to fish. He would spend hours where the solitude of fishing by the water would give him peace.

An avid gardener, Ray was always known for having the best lawn and garden on the block. Often silent and in the background Ray was the strength behind those who knew him.

Grade school boyfriend and girlfriend that reunited many years later, Ray is survived by his wife of 26 years, Dorothy Henderson, his son Sylvester Henderson III from Tennessee, his daughter Jackie Bullock from Raleigh, North Carolina. His stepchildren; daughter Diana George and son Curtis George,

and his grandchildren, Taylor Bullock, Kayin George, Diana Renee George, Ashley George and a host of other relatives.

Arrangements entrusted to Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home 5753 Blanding Blvd. Jacksonville, FL. 32244 (904) 777-5727