Will Clayton Hendrix Jr.

Will was born July 26, 1935, in San Antonio, TX to the late Will C. Hendrix Sr. and Dorothy McCray Hendrix. He graduated from Alamo Heights High School in 1953. Will earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Texas A&M University - class of ’57.

Will joined the United States Air Force and began his pilot training as a Second Lieutenant in Bainbridge, GA in early 1960 where he met his future wife Jo Anne Estes. After various training assignments, he graduated top of his class and received the Orville Wright Achievement Award. Will and Jo Anne were married November 19, 1961. Will’s first active duty assignment was at RAF Woodbridge England where he served in the 79th Tactical Squadron and flew the F-100 Super Sabre. Daughter Julie was born in 1962. After three years, they were assigned to England Air Force Base in Alexandria, LA. Almost immediately, Will left to serve in Vietnam as a fighter pilot (March 1965) where he flew 100 combat missions. Son Jay was born soon after Will’s return from Vietnam. Shortly thereafter, Will resigned from the USAF and started a new career with Cummins Engine Company in Columbus, IN. While in Indiana, Will joined the Air National Guard flying F-84’s out of Terre Haute. In 1968 Cummins transferred Will and his family to Denver, CO where daughter Lisa was born. After five years they moved back to Indiana. He rejoined the National Guard flying the F-100 and was later forced to eject after engine failure in 1974. He earned the Combat Readiness Medal and concluded his military service in 1976 attaining the rank of Major.

The Hendrix family then moved to Dallas, TX with Cummins. Will always had the “need for speed,” so after a short career riding Motocross in Colorado, Will found Enduro riding. He joined the Texas State Championship Enduro Circuit (TSCEC).

He had a 27-year run with TSCEC and was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Will produced the Rockne and Sidewinders Enduros. He served various TSCEC offices including Executive Vice President. Will was also the founder of Austin Moto Sports Association.

In late 1979 the Hendrix family moved to Austin. Will fulfilled his lifelong dream of “soloing” as business owner. He formed Hendrix GMC, which he operated until its sale in 1993. In 1990, Will purchased a second dealership, Freightliner of Austin, which he owned and managed until 2008.

After retiring in 2008 he rode more frequently in Colorado with his Sidewinder friends. In 2010 the Trails Preservation Alliance (TPA) and Texas Sidewinders Motorcycle Club established the first annual Colorado 600. The 600 is a five day ride and fundraiser for the TPA, helping to preserve and maintain the off road trails throughout Colorado. Will enjoyed the camaraderie of the Colorado 600 as an original rider and producer.

Will was involved in various organizations including The Super Sabre Society, Austin Automobile Dealers Association, Texas Automobile Dealers Association, South Austin Rotary, Rodeo Austin and the neighborhood MUD board. He was most active with the Order of Daedalians (a fraternal and professional order of American military pilots). Will served the local chapter as the Flight Captain as well as Treasurer. He was a national Foundation Trustee from 2011 and served as the Scholarship Chairman 2014 to present.

Most meaningful was Will’s relationship with Jesus Christ. His time at All Saints Presbyterian Church was transformational. The church was the cornerstone of his life, as well as for Jo Anne, his loving wife of 60 years. All had the privilege of watching Will grow in his faith and serve the body of Christ. He served the church in various ways including communion preparation, the capital campaign committee, and graciously hosting multiple gatherings in their home.

Will was a loving, charismatic, intelligent, hard-working, Christian man with a contagious joy for life. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, friend and mentor who inspired us all. He loved flying jets, riding motorcycles, Harley trips with Jo Anne and friends, spending time in nature, riding his dual sport through the Texas Hill Country with buddies and his Panera coffee klatch friends. He loved to fix everything himself, including cars, motorcycles and his house. He was an engineer and mechanic at heart with a true love for cars. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family – especially his grandchildren and granddogs. We will all miss easily spotting him around town in that station wagon.

He is survived by his wife, Jo Anne, children Julie Chapman (Larry,) Jay Hendrix and Lisa Hand (John,) as well as grandchildren Elizabeth, Katie and Ryan Hand, Olivia, Meghan and Maddie Hendrix, all of Austin. He is also survived by step grandchildren Keith and Matthew Chapman and Katie Bouzek (Brian) and three step great grandchildren. Sister-in-law and brother-in-law Betty and Lowell Fambrough and special Cousin Frances McCray Edwards. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 15th, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Cook Walden Funeral Home. 6300 W. William Cannon Dr, Austin, Tx 78749. A Celebration of Life will be held at All Saints Presbyterian Church Wednesday, February 16th at 2:00pm. 7808 Rialto Blvd, Austin, TX 78735.

Livestream of the service will be available at allsaintsaustin.org/will-hendrix

In lieu of flowers contributions in Will’s memory may be made to:

All Saints Presbyterian Church Building Fund 7808 Rialto Blvd, Austin, TX 78735

https://www.allsaintsaustin.org/give

Trails Preservation Alliance PO Box 38093, Colorado Springs, CO 80937

www.coloradotpa.org/how-to-help/donations

Daedalian Scholarship Fund PO Box 249, JBSA-Randolph, TX 78148

https://www.daedalians.org/donate/

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Hendrix family may be shared at www.cookwaldenforestoaks.com