William Henderson Obituary

In Loving Memory of William Fred Henderson
March 23, 1926 – June 10, 2025
William Fred Henderson, a steady hand, a gentle heart, and the quiet strength behind generations of love and resilience, passed away peacefully at his home in Cumming, Georgia, surrounded by those who meant the most to him. Born on March 23, 1926, in Chamblee, Georgia, Fred lived a life marked not by accolades or grand gestures, but by the quiet, enduring ways he showed up-for his country, his community, and most of all, his family. His presence was a gift: calm, faithful, and unwavering. In his 99 years, he became a living example of grace, humility, and love lived out loud in the everyday moments that mattered most.
Fred proudly served in the United States Navy, exemplifying the ideals of duty and honor that would define his life. After his military service, he poured his energy and passion into founding Peachtree Mower in 1959. Over nearly five decades, he built more than a business-he built a legacy of hard work, honesty, and craftsmanship that became a cornerstone of the community. In 2006, he passed the reins to his son, Wayne Henderson, confident that the family's values would continue to guide the work for years to come. He remained active in real estate investments, working closely with Kevin, Danny, and Wayne on various business endeavors
More than his accomplishments, Fred will be remembered for his deep devotion to family. He shared 71 loving years of marriage with his wife, Lillian, a bond built on respect, patience, and abiding love. Together, they raised three sons, Danny, Wayne, and Kevin, instilling in them a strong moral compass and a sense of purpose grounded in kindness and service. He is survived by his sons and daughter-in-laws,, Wayne and Marion Henderson and Kevin and Lori Henderson, and daughter-in-law Jennifer Henderson, who carry forward his quiet strength and enduring love. He was a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren and a joyful great-grandfather to eighteen great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him endless pride and delight.
Fred's faith was the steady rhythm of his life. He was a charter member of First Baptist Chamblee and continued his dedication to Johns Creek Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon and Elder. His church community was a place where he offered not only service, but compassion, wisdom, and quiet leadership that uplifted others.
In the quieter moments, Fred found joy in life's simple pleasures-fishing, woodworking, gardening, and especially cutting grass, a task he approached with the same care and diligence he brought to everything he did. His love for nature and being outdoors reflected a spirit that was deeply grounded and content with the beauty of the everyday.
Fred was preceded in death by his beloved wife Lillian Harwell Henderson; his son, William Danny Henderson; his parents Marcus and Ola Henderson; and his brothers, Warren, Mark, Walter, Dick, and Rufus Henderson. Though he has left this world, his presence will be felt in every story shared, every lesson remembered, and every act of quiet kindness passed down through the generations.
A funeral service celebrating Fred's remarkable life will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025 at 11:00 am in the Sanctuary of Johns Creek Baptist Church with Dr. Shaun King officiating. Burial to follow at Johns Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will gather with friends prior to the service beginning at 9:30 am at the church. The family warmly invites all who knew and loved him to join in honoring a man whose life was lived with purpose, humility, and a deep and lasting love.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Fred's memory to either the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. These organizations reflect the values Fred held dear-service, compassion, and the desire to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.
On-line condolences may be expressed at www.crowellbrothers.com. Arrangements entrusted to Crowell Brothers Funeral Homes & Crematory, 5051 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092. 770-448-5757.
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