William Bradford "Billy" Henderson

A Celebration of his Life will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Mabel White Baptist Church. The family will greet friends following the service at Mabel White Baptist Church. Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. in Macon Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Joe McDaniel and Ed Grisamore officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Athens YMCA, 915 Hawthorne Ave., Athens GA 30606, Boy’s Club, 705 Fourth St., Athens GA 30606, Champions Foundation, P.O. Box 1681, Athens, GA 30606, Christopher’s Bridge Home Care, 3651 Mars Hill Road, Suite 1600, Watkinsville, GA 30677.

A Celebration of his Life will be held on Sunday, February 25, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the Classic Center Theatre in Athens, GA.

William Bradford “Billy” Henderson was born June 2nd, 1928 in Dublin, Georgia, the son of Hollie Bradford Henderson and Mina Jewell Fouché Henderson. He was of Scottish ancestry on his father’s side and French Huguenot ancestry on his mother’s. Billy lost his father when only 8 years old, during some of the most challenging years of the Great Depression. His mother Mina’s work ethic, positive outlook and self-reliance instilled core values in Billy that would guide him through his entire life, and he often credited her as the number one influence on his character.

Billy moved to Macon, Georgia during his youth, and quickly discovered his natural talent for athletics. He excelled in several sports, impressing onlookers in football, baseball, track & field, swimming, and others. This talent continued through college, where Billy played football and baseball for the University of Georgia. It was in Macon that he met his lifetime love and partner, Frances “Fosky” West Henderson, an Atlanta native. The two married and had five children: Brad, Fran, Carol, Johnny, and Chris. Henderson also coached baseball and swimming, and his stops included stints at Jefferson High School, Athens High, Willingham and Mt.de Sales. At the college level, he spent time at Furman and The University of South Carolina. The family moved to Athens, Georgia in 1973 where Billy accepted the head coaching position at Clarke Central High School. “Coach”, as he was known to everyone in Athens, compiled a record of 222-65-1, with 3 state championships in football. Combined with 3 state championships in baseball and 1 swimming championship, he was truly one of the greatest coaches in the history of high school sports.

In his personal life, Billy was passionate about his faith, his family, and his favorite tree on Jekyll Island. The images of Coach that will never be forgotten include: his yellow note pads, iconic station wagon, lemons which he enjoyed raw, and classic cigars which he enjoyed while watching an ocean sunrise. He instilled in everyone the importance of “always being 15 minutes early” to appointments and never being late. To his family, he will be remembered for his moral fiber, leadership and genuine love. To his players and all who knew him, he will be most celebrated for his life’s motto, “It can be done.” Coach Henderson is survived by his children (Fran, Carol, Johnny and Chris), May his loving memory be eternal.

Billy was preceded in death by his wife, Fosky Henderson, son, Brad Henderson and grandson, Zach Henderson.

He is survived by his three daughters, Fran Hobbs of Bend, OR, Carol (Steve) Brooks of Athens, GA, Chris (Perry) Watts of Kennesaw, GA, son, Johnny (Patricia) Henderson of South Pittsburg, TN, grandchildren, Jenny Hobbs (Kim Barnes), Stefanie Hunt, Craig (Sarah) Brooks, Brad Henderson, Matthew and Zachary Watts, great grandchildren, Fain and Jamison Hunt and Oscar Peter.

Visit www.maconmp.com to express condolences.

Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery has charge of the arrangements.