Seems impossible that it was one year ago on 5/5 that Mike left us. He was such a good and dedicated friend...a real spiritual encourager for me, Not to mention had a great sense of humor that always made me laugh. I miss him!
Praying for his family on this year anniversary.  I will never look at Cinco de Mayo the same again as this was the day we received the news & will always remember Mike.
Carolyn Fugerer

I'm Michael Eugene Hudgins, I was a class mate of Michael's at Ringgold High School, where we both athletes of many sports, He had great joy of life, of laughing, of sports, and of God. We were both members of the FCA, and both were recognized by the Toast Masters of America, Michael went on to further his education at Carson Newman university on a Scholarship, both he and fellow class mate John D. Stewart Jr. made the town of Ringgold proud. I later served in the United States Military and completed my career as a senior NCO, E-7. Michael reached out to me shortly before his passing, and we had hoped to play his new joy, golf. It is unfortunate that didn't happen. Michael is missed.

I met Michael while on a mission trip through SCORE last year in the DR.  We spoke every day for a week, about tennis and life.  He dedicated his life to helping others in the name of Christ.    I will never forget him.

We are a family from the Dominican Republic who had the joy of meeting Mike and sharing closely with him in the last two years. He was the tennis coach of our daughter Kissmel and we assumed him as part of the family.

We are very sorry for not having Mike with us (physically) however his teachings, his love and kindness will always stay with us.  Mike was an extraordinary man, who influenced us very positively, he showed us that there is hope and that everything is possible if we trust in God.

We are very sorry!
Kirsys, Daniel, Danlord and Kissmel


This it to Mikes Brother. Forgive  me that I don't remember your name. Please read about what I wrote about your brother Mike. 
I am sure that you know how much your brother influenced, consoled, motivated, inspired, counseled, there just isn't enough words to describe Mike. SELFLESS
I met Mike around 1987 and he was delighted that I was Jewish Believer in Yeshua. He mentored me for many years in God's word. He wanted me to make the trip with him to DR and work with the kids in fitness.  He accepted God's calling  full time and devoted to Score. He used a tennis racket only as a prop. I 
drove up from South Florida last minute last week because the Holy Spirit spoke to me saying that I needed to see Mike. It took me 3 1/2 hours. I made dinner for 6 people to take up to Eddie's house where I would be staying. Mike came for dinner. He was not his usual self of sharing stories or talking, He felt felt uneasy about his purpose since he was brought back in March from the DR after the Coronavirus started. I walked him to his car for the last time and told him that to "leave it in the Lord's hands" which is unusual to me because it was always him who would have the last words.
Mike talked about you, his life,  the disappearance of his mother's tumor during an operation. Mike's  most important prayer was for you to get accept Jesus as your personal Savior. Nothing meant more to Mike than that.  It was something that weighed heavily and shared with me for 30 years. God was pleased with Mike's work here on earth and needed him on another mission. The last words of our Holy Savior was "it is finished." We can only know that all of us have been blessed by Mike Henderson. God bless you and your family for allowing the rest of us to be a part of Mike, his family, his support, and his continuous love for the Lord. Brush up on your tennis skills, we will see him again. 
Jann Silberman
1428 Amanda st Hollywood Florida 33020
954 600 1144

To Mike’s family,
I met Mike over 20 plus years ago when he was coaching tennis at USF. He worked with my son and two daughters when they were about 5,7, and 9 years old.  My daughters later  went on to cheerleading and my son continued on with tennis. I even took lessons with Mike over the years as well. 

Mike would see my kids later as they got older when we went to the USF tennis matches. He loved to talked to the kids and ask how they were doing.  He would regularly call me over the years and would always ask how the family was doing.  He would always crack up laughing about the stories I would tell him about the kids. Mike always had a smile and a laugh. 

Mike really liked his mission work down in the Dominican.  He was a true Christian man who no doubt had countless impact on many peoples lives.  He will be sorely missed here on earth but I know he is happy he is in heaven! 
You are missed my brother!
God Bless you!
Ray

To Mike's family:

We met on the Adult  choir at Idlewild Baptist Church and he was a very good friend, even with his travels to the DR. When he came home, he was always back to choir with his big loving hugs and smile and stories of how the mission was. I certainly miss him.

Mike was an amazing person and a very good friend to me. I was honored to share a few of his many accomplishments - https://gousfbulls.com/news/2020/5/15/mens-tennis-barr-bulls-pay-tribute-to-former-assistant-henderson.aspx

I knew Mike through the world of tennis and he always reached out to stay in touch.   Such an amazingly kind and gentle soul who shared  all his gifts willingly.  I am so shocked and saddened to hear he has gone on to the heaven he deserves.  God bless you, Mike. 

Exceptional Man of God comes to mind when I think of Mike. There are too many memories to share over the last 30 years. I am a Messianic Jew due to the ongoing sharing of the Gospel and continued mentoring and friendship I had with Mike. 
Since I moved from Tampa MIke would always take the train down to stay with me so that I could take him to the Miami airport since he was always heading to the DR.  I remember a time he asked me to purchase some clothing for him and I bought more than enough for him to take with him on his trip,,,,, He would return without the clothing.... I never had to say a word about it.  Mike gave up his physical home in Tampa and devoted himself to the Lord full time with Score. I was going to make a trip with him.... it is now on my bucket list. 
I came up to Tampa the Sunday before he passed to make a dinner party of some of our friends. The Holy spirit told me the week before that I needed to drive 4 hours up the West coast so I did. Sunday night I knew that he was not feeling well as I walked him to his car. The last thing I said to him was "God will let you know where he needs for you to be, whether it is to stay here in Tampa or to return to the DR and to trust in Him." Now I understand what God was speaking thru me. 
I think that the impact Mike had on all of us will last until we all see him again. I suppose we should all practice our tennis skills .... we will see him again. 

I can’t believe you left us so soon. Your Christ like character and ready smile will be missed! I love you my brother. Can’t wait to see you in glory. 

I was blessed to know Mike for 30+ years.  He was the epitome of a good Christian soul whose infectious spirit touched everyone who had the honor to cross paths with him.  You could only be a better person after meeting and getting to know him.  I never knew Mike to have a bad day (or if he did, he sure didn't show it).  He was always concerned about his fellow man and never made it about himself.  I will cherish our morning walks at USF, the breakfasts at First Watch, and enjoying a basketball game or two at USF.  He will be sorely missed by many, but his memory will live on in all of us.  Well done, my good friend.  You have served your Master well and are deservedly resting in the Palm of His hand. Until we meet again...

Mike was truly a caring and dedicated tennis coach with a heart bigger than most. On top of his skill and passion for the game, he taught with a real kindness and respect for his students. After being a part of his jr. programs growing up, I sought him out again as an adult because he was the total package. I'm a better person and a better volleyer for having known Mike. I'm terribly sad for the world and Tampa community that such an amazing person has been taken away. 

Mike was a Godly man who lived the Lord with all his heart. He had an infectious smile and laugh. We knew each other at Idlewild Baptist Church single’s ministry. While it has been a few years since we last spoke he always asked how I was doing and what was God doing in my life. I look forward to seeing him again in heaven. 

Mike was my friend and tennis instructor. More importantly he was a member of my prayer group for our pastors. A heart as big as Florida he will be missed. 

OBITUARY

Michael D Henderson

August 8, 1957 – May 5, 2020

Blount & Curry Funeral Home-Carrollwood

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