Richard Wayne Henderson

Richard was born on July 9, 1934, in Anna, Illinois to the late Raymond Henderson and the late Jean Henderson. In 1955, Richard enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. For the next twenty years, he served in assignments both overseas and stateside. From 1967-1968, Richard served in combat in Vietnam and was awarded a Purple Heart.

Upon retirement from the Marine Corps, Richard embarked on a second career as a Chemical Processing Supervisor for another twenty years.

Richard’s biggest accomplishment and crowning achievement was loving and caring for his family. He made it his full-time job and attacked it with the same voracity one would expect from a Marine. No one ever invested more or loved harder.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Roger Henderson.

He is survived by his brother Bruce Henderson, of Jonesboro, Illinois, his wife, Doris Henderson, of Harrisburg, and his daughter Andrala Pace of Arden, NC. His legacy will also live on through his daughter and best friend, Dena Selvey who will spend her life proud and honored to have called him Daddy, his devoted son-in-law CMPD Police Major Cameron Selvey whom Richard trusted without question, and his grandsons who were the light of his life. Jacob Selvey, 17, and Grayson Selvey, 13, will always have the distinct pleasure of knowing that Paw-Paw adored them and was obsessed with them beyond measure.

Richard wanted the world to know that we are only here for a moment. He was a man of God who studied his Bible daily and did his best to be a witness. He knew where he was going and prayed that we would all join him in Heaven one day. John 14: 1-4.

Services are planned for 2:00 pm Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at Harrisburg Baptist Church, 6525 Morehead Rd., Harrisburg, NC 28075 with Rev. Billy Clevenger officiating.

Friends may visit with the family from 1 to 2 pm at the church. The burial will follow in the church cemetery where full military honors will be provided by the United States Marine Corp.

McEwen-Derita Chapel is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.mcewenderitachapel.com