Willis "Tuffy" I. Henderson III

Born on New Year’s Day in 1934, Mr. Henderson came from a long line of Charlotte-Mecklenburg residents. He was always known as Tuffy ever since his idyllic boyhood in the woods and fairways of Plaza-Midwood. He attended Midwood Elementary, Piedmont Jr. High, and Central High before graduating from Woodberry Forest School in 1953. In 1957 he earned a business degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he lettered in basketball and golf. Highlights of his athletic career there included playing under Coach Frank McGuire, feeding the ball to Lenny Rosenbluth, and finishing as runner-up in the 1955 ACC golf tournament.

Returning to Charlotte, Tuffy joined the family firm of Home Realty & Management Company as a commercial loan officer. For forty years he served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Mortgage Bankers Association of the Carolinas which honored him with its President’s Award in 1997 and, as he left his post there in 2008, with the proclamation of “December 3rd of each calendar year to be identified as Willis I. Henderson, III Day.” Throughout his life, Tuffy grew in faith, having been raised at Plaza Presbyterian Church, taught kindergarten Sunday school at Myers Park Presbyterian, and ultimately connected with First Presbyterian where his parents wed. He was also affiliated with Charlotte Country Club, SAE fraternity, Kiwanis Club, and the YMCA, and after retirement, with the communities of Newland and Asheboro, NC.

Mr. Henderson was preceded in death by his parents, Willis Irwin Henderson, Jr. and Alice Quarles “Dit” Henderson, and by his brother, Perrin Q. Henderson, all of Charlotte. He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 36+ years, Nancy Ward Henderson of Taylor Glen in Concord, NC. He has blessed the lives of his four daughters: Jane Henderson (Harry Lancaster) of Concord, NC, their children Emily Moose (Farrell and their children Helen and June), and Anne and Ben Lancaster; Alice Henderson Hanes (Bob) of Wilmington, DE, their children Nick (Laura and their children Phoebe and Rowan), Mary, Oliver, and Lindy Hanes; Amelia Henderson (Paul Stark) of New Orleans, LA; and Elizabeth Henderson of Concord, NC (partner Simon Sancinelli); as well as Nancy’s children: Kelly Hart Pope (Jason and their children Matthew, Elizabeth and Amelia) of Hickory, NC; and Craig Hart (Beth and their children Lucy, Sam, and Carly) of Rock Hill, SC. Tuffy also leaves first-cousins, James Perrin Quarles (Peggy) of Charlottesville, VA and Louisa McCleary (Stan) of Portland, Oregon, four nieces and nephews through his late brother, cherished extended family, and an abundance of fond friendships.

A natural athlete and genial competitor, Tuffy pursued sports indoors and out, and he enjoyed playing cards and board games of all sorts. He generously shared his passions for golf, tennis, swimming, skiing, white-water rafting and hiking. He appreciated a wide variety of instrumental and vocal music. Tuffy occasionally practiced woodworking which instilled his value of hand-made gifts in their recipients. In mid-life he earned a private pilot’s license which allowed him to take flight for business purposes and personal pleasure. Tuffy and Nancy later traveled the world extensively, keeping in touch with family and broadening their circle of friends. Tuffy met each person with a smile and embraced every situation, including the progression of Parkinson’s disease, with an enduring sense of humor.

A memorial service will be held on September 9, 2022 at 2:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC, with reception immediately afterward, and live-streamed at https://firstpres-charlotte.org/. A private interment will be arranged at Elmwood Cemetery at a later date.

In memory of Tuffy Henderson, the family wishes to return a measure of the many blessings that marked the joyful nature of his life back to the community through the televised ministry of First Presbyterian Church, 200 W. Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202; Hospice & Palliative Care Lake Norman, 705 Griffith Street, Suite 203, Davidson, North Carolina 28036; or the charity of your choice.

Condolences may be offered at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com.