Rudd Henderson, born March 5, 1937, in Richmond, VA, completed his earthly journey on November 4, 2025, at the age of 88. He passed into the arms of his Lord peacefully, holding the hand of his cherished wife of 62 years, Marianne, with the rest of his family close by. Rudd was loved. His legacy is one of faith, family, and friendly conversation.
Rudd was the son of the late William and Brandon Rudd Henderson, and brother to the late Jessie Morrison. He grew up in White Plains, NY, Lititz, PA, and suburban Philadelphia. His childhood was full of activity: summer camps, Boy Scouts—where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout and a God and Country Award—baseball, basketball, swimming, and sledding.
As a young man, he created one of his favorite memories while working for the Idaho Forest Service fighting forest fires. He finally made it to Texas when he joined the Air Force, a decision that sealed his fate. He met the love of his life, Marianne, and never moved again.
First in his life was his deep and abiding love for the Lord. Rudd was an avid reader and a dedicated student of the Bible. He was a member of Bible Study Fellowship for many years, served faithfully in a nursing home ministry, and volunteered in his church.
Rudd truly never met a stranger. He would strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere, whether in a line or at a restaurant. His friends loved that he could talk with ease on any subject. His family also lovingly remembers that as much as he enjoyed talking to people, he almost never, ever got anyone’s name correct, especially his daughters’.
He loved being active. He was a passionate runner, and he could handily wipe out any opponent in ping pong. He was known as "The Dog Whisperer" for his amazing ability to connect with dogs. He loved gardening—his family will never forget the summer of the over-planted cucumber—and enjoyed simple weekend drives in the hill country. A day was best if it started with eggs over easy, grits with butter and an English muffin, and an evening was best if the San Antonio Spurs were playing. As a transplanted Texan, he was always on the hunt for a true hoagie. Thank goodness he found Zito’s Deli in San Antonio to satisfy his craving.
His love for his family was strong and true. He was a patient father, evidenced by his suffering through many car trips with three daughters in the back seat, his wife in the front, and a fog of different perfumes and the amount of hairspray required for 1980’s hair.
He is survived by his wife, Marianne; son Steve Henderson (Sue); daughters Vicki Henderson, Jayne Huddleston (Jeff), and Heather Cook (Keith). He was a proud grandfather to Cody Henderson (Samantha), Kari Adams (John), Abbey Huddleston, Ben Huddleston (Jackie), Tanner Cook (Destiny), Brae Winnier (Matthew), and Kortlyn Cook. He was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren: Owen and Nora Henderson, Eleanor and Vivienne Adams, Mallory Jones, Carly Cook, and Leo Huddleston. He was also proud to be Uncle Rudd to numerous nieces and nephews.
He is joyfully reunited with those who preceded him in death: his parents and his sister, Jessie.
The family is thankful for the caregivers at Caring Hearts Assisted Living and Trinity Hospice.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., on Monday, November 17, 2025, at Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 N Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, TX.
A Graveside will be held at 9:30 a.m., on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Sunset Memorial Park, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, TX.
Followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m., at Christ Episcopal Church, 510 Belknap Place, San Antonio, TX.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Rudd's memory by striking up a conversation with a stranger, enjoying a good breakfast, or reading a book.
