Rev. Curtis A. Henderson, 90, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on December 24, 2023 and entered his heavenly home. He was a loving husband, father, Paw Paw, brother, uncle and friend. He was affectionately known to all as “Preacher Henderson”.
Curtis was an Army veteran of the Korean War at the age of 16. His unit, Btry A 26AAA/Company E 19th Infantry Regiment 24th Division, had a 92% casualty rate. He served in the Army from 1953-1955. He later joined the US Navy and retired from the Chattanooga Naval Reserve Center. He was presented the Bronze Star Award and other combat awards in 2002 by Rep Zach Wamp. He received the Quilt of Valor in 2023 on behalf of the Quilt of Valor Foundation. Curtis retired from the State of Tennessee Employment Office. He had a passion for veterans and helped them find jobs and benefits and helped to ensure that they received compensation for serving their country faithfully.
After retiring from the State of Tennessee, he worked for the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
Curtis was saved on December 20, 1964. He was called to preach in 1965. He had a BA degree from Tennessee Temple University. He pastored Friendship Baptist and Melville Baptist Church. He was a long time member of Calvary Baptist Church in Red Bank.
Curtis’s first love was the Lord. His love for his family was an unconditional love. If you needed him, he was there. He never met a stranger. Among other things, he loved ice cream, especially Dairy Queen, hot dogs, popcorn, eating at Stamey’s BBQ, Christmas time, red roses, gardening, enjoying the view of his garden from his red swing, cardinals, bird feeders and telling those unending jokes.
On August 31, 1951, he married the love of his life, Nadine Sisk. They just celebrated 72 years together.
Curtis is survived by his beautiful wife, Nadine; 4 children, Debra (Mike) Sells, Curtis Henderson Jr., Sandra (Dale) McCoin, Brenda (Matt) Lively; 14 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren; and 1 great great grandchild.
The family will receive friends from 4-8 pm on Wednesday, December 27th at Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel, Hixson and Thursday from 12-1 pm at Calvary Baptist Church in Red Bank. The funeral will follow at 1 pm at the church with Richard Floyd officiating. Interment with military honors will be in Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
