Paul Whitney Henderson's Obituary
Paul Whitney Henderson passed away at his home in Dallas on Thursday, April 9, 2020. He was born in Mineola, TX to Dewey Felix Henderson and Dorothy Pearl Marler Henderson on October 28, 1927.
Paul moved to Tyler with his family in 1931. After graduating from John Tyler High School, he joined the US Navy and served through the end of WWII. After the Navy he married - in 1947 - and began a career in government service that lasted 43 years at the city, county and federal level. He retired in 1994 to Tyler, TX and moved to Dallas in 2011.
He was an ordained and faithful Deacon in the Baptist church for more than sixty years. His faith in God, his family, and his friends were his most important treasures. He will always be remembered for his kindness, sense of humor, integrity, and his love for Blue Bell ice cream.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Wanda Ruth Whittington Henderson, his parents, his three sisters, Melba Henderson Scott, Imogene Henderson Clyburn, and Betty Henderson Forson, and great-grandson Carter Purnell.
He is survived by his children, David and Lynda Carter Henderson of Alto, TX, Kent Henderson and Barbara Ivey of Rowlett, TX, and Kaye Henderson Gillespie and Randy Gillespie of Ft. Worth, TX. “Paw-Paw” will be sorely missed by his grandchildren Ashley Henderson Purnell, Lindsay Henderson, Tyler and Rachel Kincannon Gillespie, Graham and Angela Williams Gillespie, and Hayden and Michelle Richard Gillespie and great-grandchildren, Regan, Kennedy, Grant, Henry, Eleanor, Evelyn, Will, Adelaide, and Everett.
He will be interred at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas, TX on April 15, 2020. A memorial service will be scheduled at some future date pending return to social normalcy.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Buckner International, 700 North Pearl St., Suite 1200, Dallas TX 75201.
What’s your fondest memory of Paul?
What’s a lesson you learned from Paul?
Share a story where Paul's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Paul you’ll never forget.
How did Paul make you smile?