Ray Henderson

Ray C. Henderson, 85, a retired Florida Department of Corrections Superintendent of Tallahassee, Florida, passed away peacefully in the early morning of May 27 at his residence surrounded by his immediate family who loved and adored him after suffering for several weeks with symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease and renal failure.

Ray served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corp and was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church of Tallahassee, Florida.

Ray was proceeded in death by his father, Reverend Harry Henderson and mother, Margaret Fleming, and sister Joyce Nolin. Ray is survived by the love of his life, Nell Henderson, his wife of 54 years. He is also survived by his siblings, Betty (Richard) Yates, David (Susan) Henderson, Martha (Dale) Morrison, and Michael (Kathy) Henderson. Children, Rhonda H. Hutchison, Amy C. Riggen, grandchildren, Brittany (Travis) Hamzik, Carlie (Donald) Lorentz, Lindsey Riggen, and his youngest grandchild and namesake, Alexis Rae Riggen. Great Grandchildren, Ethan and Aaron Hamzik, Leah, Quinn, and Corey Lorentz.

Ray graduated from Seminole High School in Sanford, Florida- He also attended Tallahassee Community College, Florida State University, and Nova Southeastern University where he received his Master’s in Criminal Justice. He retired from the Department of Corrections after 33 years of service.

Ray was extremely proud of his occupation which served others, and whose ethic could rival anyone. During his career, he accomplished many things, yet was a humble man who had never bragged about his accomplishments. His career included training animals for K-9 certification and was selected and participated as a security team member for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during his visit to St. Augustine, Florida in May 1964. Ray started as a Correctional Officer, working his way up to Warden of some of the largest and highest security prisons in Florida. During his tenure, he helped establish prison ministries which helped provide an opportunity for inmates to hear the Gospel and be saved, therefore changing their lives forever. He was also a founding member of PRIDE, a self-funded enterprise who makes a positive difference by providing vocational training which assist inmates in transitioning after their release.

Ray had two wishes he wished to pass on as part of his legacy – The first was to pass the virtue of good moral character to the next generation, and to stay a devout Christian and make Heaven his eternal home. He accomplished both.

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