Stephen Paul Henderson

May 9, 1942 – May 17, 2017

Due to complications of pancreatic cancer, Stephen Paul Henderson decided it was time to “drop his body” and continue his soul’s journey to the other side on May 17, 2017. He was born May 9, 1942 in Oklahoma City, OK, and enjoyed living in eleven different locations across the country as he grew up. This frequent change of home base generated a love of travel and adventure he enjoyed throughout his life.

He is survived by his loving fiancée, Betty Crawford, his immediate family; son David and wife Donna, and their children Stephen and Kristen; son Jeffrey and wife Mary Beth and their children Nicholas and Brooke.

Steve graduated from NC State with a Mechanical Engineering degree and received an MBA from the Darden School at the University of Virginia. He had a 30-year career in marketing and product development with IBM in Research Triangle Park, including a 5-year assignment with IBM Europe in Paris and La Gaude, France.

Steve will always be remembered as someone who did not want to miss out on an opportunity for fun and excitement. Activities he enjoyed with family and friends include sailing, several years of racing along the coast of North Carolina; fishing; boating; snow and water skiing; canoeing; SCUBA diving; and numerous motorcycle/camping trips including two cross-country camping trips in fifteen National parks in the US and Canada.

Steve’s love of life was well-stated on one of his favorite tee-shirts: “Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and proudly proclaiming, ‘Wow…what a ride!’”

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 21, 2017 at 1:00 p.m., Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh. The family will receive guests immediately following the service for fellowship and refreshments. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Stephen P. Henderson Scholarship, noted in memo section of check. You may do so by mailing your check payable to the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation, to P.O. Box 1869, Lexington, VA 24450. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.MitchellatRMP.com