James Kerry Hendrix

Kerry met Deborah Ann Gardner (Debbie, Momma, Memommy) and married her on July 13, 1975.

Kerry was a Husband, Father, Grandfather & Great Grandfather, Son & Brother.

He was a Father and Grandfather to Francesca & Dean Williams, Emily & Lucas, Chandler, Max & Caitlin, Cypress. Rachel & Nick Adair, Angie, Caleb.

Brother too, Kathye Holcombe (Jim) and Jennifer Vanderbleog (Roy)

Resident of Vitality Assisted Living, Dallas, GA. Dedicated Disciple & Follower of Christ.

Actively served in many church ministries at Spring Hill Baptist Church, Crossroads Baptist Church, and Jodeco Baptist Church

His Spiritual Journey

Dad told Rachel that he came to Jesus at a Youth for Christ meeting in California in 1960

At Spring Hill, Kerry worked with RA's, was a Sunday School teacher and helped to run the sound for services. At Crossroads, Kerry was one of the founding members and participated in any way needed. At Jodeco, Kerry was a Deacon, helped run the sound for services, taught Sunday School, and helped with the food ministry.

Later in life, Kerry readily shared the Gospel with anyone willing to listen and would pray with strangers when he felt led to. When Mom and Dad moved into Vitality, Dad looked and Mom and stated, "Lets view this as another mission field, hon." trying to help Mom with the move. On one of the last days of his life, 4/22/26, Dad had a few moments of lucidity and was actively telling one of his med techs at Vitality, that he was thankful for what she was doing for him, and that, “You are more than just a caretaker." Many of the ladies at Vitality spoke about how loving and caring Dad (and Mom) were, spoke about how so many of the residents there just seemed to be drawn to them, and specifically how thankful and loving Dad was, in everything.

Dad picked orange roses from Mawmaw's rose bushes for his first date with Mom,

All throughout their 50 years Dad would sometimes pick up a dozen orange roses for Mom. Mom wasn't sure about going on a date with Dad when he first asked her out. Her mom said "Just go out with him once. If you don't like him then you don't have to go out with him again!". Little did she know that advice would lead Mom and Dad to a marriage of over 50 years. Mom has said that she feels privileged to have been loved by Dad all these years and watching him love his daughters made her love him even

As a father, Dad was always loving and forgiving. No matter what I may have done or not done, Dad showed love even when he had to discipline me. Some of my most fond memories were of him coaching me in softball, even once I became the coach to my kids, he was still giving me pointers and helping me. Once I was no longer their coach and had to learn to keep the books it was Dad that sat with me during games and taught me that part of the game. One of my most fond memories is that when my childhood best friend spent the night, Dad would tell us stories at bedtime. The most common story was Rapunzel. Dad was a great storyteller! Dad always showed me his walk with Christ, along with teaching me and telling me about Christ; in effect, walking and talking it because he knew I needed that. I believe that it was his love, actions, and prayer; along with choosing a Godly mother and years of patience that brought me to Christ. Dad always loved me, my husband and my kids unconditionally, quietly and with strength.

Dad and I spent a lot of time together as I grew up. I wanted to do things like my dad and be like him in any way I could. In one of my earliest memories, dad was cutting grass shirtless (like he always did) and I went outside without my shirt to be like him. He laughed and sent me back inside to put on a shirt since I'm a girl and we can't run around shirtless! When I was a little bit older, Mom worked in the evenings, so Dad and I had a lot of time together. Sometimes we just watched TV and sometimes we talked. Those were great times of connection. He and I also made some deliveries for Olan Mills on Saturday mornings. He taught me how to read a map, and we spent a lot of time being silly and goofing off together. Dad's quick wit and dry humor always made those Saturday drives fun and full of laughter. He consistently taught me life skills and things that I would need to know as an adult.

Things like always making sure to change the oil in your car and check your tires regularly. He also taught me more important things like being there for your family, keeping your priorities straight, and caring for others. Dad was a wonderful example of being the hands and feet of Jesus wherever he went. As Dad got older and dementia started taking his ability to remember and manage affairs well, I had the privilege of helping him and Mom with those things. He was still trying to teach me even though I am grown and managing my own household.

As a brother, (please keep in mind there are 16 years between us, I remember Kerry and Daddy working together to keep our outdoor dog warm during a cold snap. I remember his graduating from Dekalb Tech and working at Georgia Tech for a long time. I remember his first wedding; but more happily, I remember his wedding to Debbie and being old enough to be a bridesmaid. As my big brother, he was very much a rock for the family in so much as when Pawpaw Palmer died, he was the first person Mawmaw called and when Linda's father died, he was the person who took care of everything. He referred to me and my sister, laid down the law when necessary, and because he was so much older helped to raise me. He did what he had to do to make sure the people around him were safe and felt loved. My brother was my hero, he was my biggest encourager, an ear when I needed it, a spiritual advisor when I was troubled and a patient and loving brother. He offered me food and shelter when I needed it. A true example of love. He loved the Lord and was true Illustration of that love. Family, church, community, and mankind. My brother will be so missed.

Preceded in death by Parents the Rev. Jimmie and Kathleen Hendrix, Grandparents Floy and Alfred Hendrix, Uller Rader and Nellie O’Dallie Palmer

As Dad would say to everyone as he was leaving them just in case, he didn’t see them again before December…

Merry Christmas

Visitation will be held at Horis A. Ward - Fairview Chapel, 376 Fairview Rd, Stockbridge, Georgia 30281, on April 30, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by the Funeral Service at the same location on April 30, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.