William "Will" Henderson

Will was an icon in downtown Statesville. You could always find him at 125 West Broad Street, where he worked for 65 years selling furniture. He opened his own store, Henderson Furniture Company, at that location in 1980 and only recently retired in January at the age of 93. During those years he was happy to count multiple generations within the same families as his friends and valued customers. His store was frequently a gathering place for people to visit. There they enjoyed his endless supply of jokes and amusing stories, punctuated by his sharp wit and talent for mimicry.

Born in Union Grove November 16, 1922 to Staley and Vera Barker Henderson, Will spent his formative years in Iredell County. There he met and married his sweetheart, Faye Goforth of Olin, and enjoyed 67 years of happiness with her. During that time they traveled extensively, including trips to 18 foreign countries, but always loved coming home to Statesville. Here they raised their daughters and were active participants in community life.

Will was proud of his military service in the U. S. Army, European theatre, during World War II. He was a Master Mason for 60 years in the Mount Moriah Lodge of Statesville and member of the local Kiwanis Club, helping to sponsor the Iredell County Fair. In addition he was fully active in Front Street Baptist Church for all his adult life serving as a deacon, Sunday school teacher and choir member.

Mr. Henderson was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Densel and Gilbert, and his beloved wife Faye.

Surviving with loving memories are his daughter, Jean Henderson (Steve Snyder) of Charleston, SC; daughter Gail Ray (Michael) of Raleigh, grandchildren Ashley Ray, Jessica Sterling (Scott) and Cameron Ross and great grandchildren Leah and McKenzie Ross, Carson and Hayden Sterling. Also left to honor his memory is his sister, Betty Colvert of Statesville, and a number of nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.

The family will receive friends Monday, May 23 at 12:30 in the Fellowship Hall of Front Street Baptist Church, 1431 West Front Street, prior to a funeral service at 2:00. Interment will immediately follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Statesville.

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Henderson Family.