Mr. Samuel Watkins Henderson, Jr.'s Obituary
Funeral Service for Mr. Samuel Watkins Henderson, Jr., 86, formerly of Camp Hill, Alabama, will be Friday, June 28, 2024 at 11:00 am at the Chapel of Langley Funeral Home. Rev. Mac Buttram will officiate. Burial will follow in the Camp Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, June 28, 2024 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at Langley Funeral Home.
Samuel Watkins Henderson, Jr., known affectionately as Sam to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2024. Born on July 29, 1937, in Camp Hill, Alabama, Sam led a remarkable life filled with passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to his loved ones and his community.
Sam was a beacon of light to all who knew him, bringing joy through his gifted musicianship and beautiful singing voice. He was a lover of the arts and took great pride in his meticulous housekeeping, his blossoming flowers, and the fruitful bounty of his well-tended trees. Sam's love for collecting Indian artifacts spoke to his admiration for history and culture, while his roots as a true country boy from Camp Hill remained a cherished aspect of his identity. An avid supporter of Auburn University, Sam's spirited "War Eagle" was a testament to his enduring enthusiasm for his alma mater.
Sam's academic journey began at Camp Hill School, from which he graduated before going on to earn a degree from Auburn University. His professional life was marked by a successful career with the Department of Housing and Urban Development before he found his true calling as a grant writer and State Planner for the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. Through his work, Sam's impact was felt widely, as he helped to shape the growth and well-being of communities across Alabama.
Beyond his professional achievements, Sam's heart was always with his family. He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories for his son, Sam Henderson III; daughters, Melinda Henderson Banach and Lila Henderson (Bailey) Killian; grandchildren, Katie Parker, Zach Banach, Lila Banach, Lauren Banach, Claire Killian, Katie Killian, and Ashley Killian; and brother, James R. (Janet) Henderson. He was a guiding light and a source of strength for his family, and his legacy will live on through the lives of those he touched.
Preceding him in death were his father, Samuel Watkins Henderson, Sr.; mother, Annie Lee Henderson; grandfather, S.V. Henderson; and grandmother, Lila Henderson. Their influence on Sam's life was profound, and the values they instilled in him were evident in the way he lived every day.
Sam's life was a testament to the power of kindness, the importance of community, and the enduring strength of family bonds. His was a life well-lived, full of purpose and marked by the many lives he enriched through his generosity of spirit.
As we bid farewell to Samuel Watkins Henderson, Jr., we celebrate the joy he brought into this world and the indelible mark he left on the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him. Though he may be gone from our sight, the melody of his life's song will continue to resonate in the memories we hold dear. Sam's journey on this earth has concluded, but his story will be told for generations to come, a beautiful refrain of a life filled with love, service, and the simple pleasures of a country boy who made the world a better place.
Langley Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Samuel Watkins Henderson, Jr.
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