G. H. Jerry “Hook” Henderson

GULF BREEZE, FLORIDA ̶

Born on April 7, 1936, Gerald Harvey Henderson, known by family and friends as “Hook”, 80, passed away Thursday, March 30, 2017 at his family home in Gulf Breeze, Florida.

He battled with Dementia for five years and the disease worsened over time eventually causing his death. Jerry lived a wonderful long life and died peacefully at his home surrounded by family.

He leaves his wife; his lifelong love of 59 years, Kathleen (Obrien) Henderson; their three loving children, Angel Savage, Pam Halstead and John David (JD) Henderson; his beloved lap dog, Whodat; his 5 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren; and many family friends.

Born and raised in Pensacola, Florida, the son of Harvey William Henderson and Evelyn (Herring) Henderson, Jerry and his younger brother, Ronnie J. Henderson (1939-2013) were raised by their mother. Jerry was a lifelong resident of the Pensacola/Gulf Breeze area.

In his early years, Jerry went to Catholic School, participated in many school sports and went on to excel as an athlete. He lettered 11 times in three sports and was named to the “All Conference Team” in all three sports he played. He graduated from Pensacola Catholic High School with many accolades and recognitions in 1954. After high school, he attended Florida State University as Catholic High’s first student athlete to receive an athletic scholarship to a Division 2 University. He was a proud college football quarterback, and although largely remembered for his football days, he excelled more as a track and field star. In 1958, he won the Pennsylvania Relays, and was awarded a wristwatch which he wore his entire life. Jerry held the Javelin throwing record at FSU for thirty-one years, from 1958-1989. He went on to graduate in 1958 with a BS Degree. He met his wife, Kathleen Henderson at Florida State in 1956 and they were married in Coral Gables, Florida on February 3, 1958 at Saint Teresa’s Catholic Church. After getting married, Jerry joined the Army National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1961.

After leaving the Army, Jerry went on to be named the Assistant Football Coach at Leon High School in Tallahassee Florida. He moved back to Pensacola with his family in 1965 and began his career at Woodham High School, teaching and coaching. Before moving into School Administration, he attended Mississippi College and received his Masters Degree in Education Leadership and Administration. He was the Escambia County Director for Employee Relations until he retired in 1995.

Jerry maintained his talent as a coach and as an excellent athlete even after he retired. He is a FSU Varsity Club Founder, and was named a “Nugent Boy” (Coach Tom Nugent’s star football players to be remembered). He always had a passion for football and will forever remain an idolized man by so many young adults that he coached. He was also an avid golfer and enjoyed many, many rounds with dear friends. As he grew older, he golfed more and became his kids and grandkids biggest fan.

A memorial service for Jerry “Hook” Henderson will be held at 3PM Friday, April 7th, 2017 at Saint Ann’s Catholic Church in Gulf Breeze. Immediately following the service, a Celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at the family home, 585 Bay Cliffs Circle, Gulf Breeze FL 32561. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Covenant Hospice, 2001 North Palafox Stre