Richard Henderson

Richard (Dick) Dean Henderson passed away on September 20, 2022, at the age of 93. Born in Iowa City, IA, he was the son of the late Roy and Dorothy Henderson. He was married to Betty Jo (BJ) Parrish Henderson for 69 years.

Dick was a 1945 graduate of Technical High School in Omaha, NE. During high school, he was principal bassoonist in the Omaha and Lincoln Symphonies and the NBC radio program, “Your America”.

Following one and a half years at Creighton University, Dick enlisted in the US Navy in 1947 and was discharged to the NROTC program at Iowa State University. He later attended Georgia Tech from 1951 to 1954 (while working at Lockheed-Georgia Company) and transferred those hours to Iowa State for a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering. Dick was then drafted into the US Army and was principal bassoonist with the 3rd Army Band at Ft. McPherson, GA.

Dick’s career spanned more than 39 years with Lockheed working on such programs as the B-47, C-130, Polaris A3, C-5A, Skunkworks stealth programs, and finally heading up the team proposal for the F-22 Raptor fighter program.

Upon retirement he moved with his wife, BJ to Lanier Village Estates where he stayed active as a golfer, duplicate bridge player/teacher and enjoyed travelling internationally with his wife. He was a member of Gainesville United Methodist Church and was involved in the Gainesville Arts Council and Gainesville ProMusica Concert Series.

Dick is survived by his wife of 69 years, Betty Jo (BJ) Henderson, his children: a daughter, Sheryl (Robert) Jacobs and a son, Rick Henderson. He has four grandchildren: Rebecca Jacobs, Matthew Henderson, Katherine Henderson, and Stephen (Savannah) Henderson. Also surviving are his two brothers: Harry Henderson, wife Andi and Alan Henderson, wife Kathy.

A memorial service will be planned in the future in Gainesville, GA.

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