Wayne Henderson

Wayne Henderson
Wayne Henderson

Wayne Henderson, 88, died on Sunday, December 27, 2020, after a brief illness. He was born in Searcy, Arkansas, on January 20, 1932, the oldest child of G.E. Henderson and Ethel Winegar Henderson. He and his family moved to Borger, Texas, in 1940 where he excelled in varsity football and graduated from Borger High School.  Wayne earned his pilot’s license at the early age of 19 and enjoyed flying small aircraft for business and pleasure for many years. He married his high school sweetheart, Jean Murray, in 1951, and together they would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in June 2021. Wayne and Jean moved to Amarillo in 1957 and established the Country Meat Market, a successful retail market that they sold in 1974.  Wayne and his business partners developed the Rolling Hills residential subdivision north of Amarillo, and he served as general contractor in the construction of numerous homes in the area.  Later, Wayne was successful in the design and construction of meat packing plants across the region until his retirement in 1993.

Wayne was a constant storyteller and an avid angler spending time each summer for over 50 years fly fishing the headwaters of the Rio Grande River where he and Jean maintained a vacation home for many years.  Wayne’s tomato gardening was legendary, and he shared its bounty with many friends and neighbors. He and Jean enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. By his example, he instilled in his sons and others the value of hard work and education, devotion to family, the enjoyment of travel, and a sincere respect for all persons regardless of their circumstances.  Wayne served on the Board of Trustees of the River Road I.S.D. including terms as its board president. He was a member of Amarillo’s Central Church of Christ. He was a 32nd degree Master Mason and a member of the Amarillo Kiva Shrine for over 50 years.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Jean, and sons, Dr. Eddie Henderson, Dr. Mike Henderson and wife, Dr. Robin Martinez, and Jody Henderson and wife, Leah Henderson, all of Amarillo.  He is survived by seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren and by his brother, L.C. Henderson, of Comanche, Oklahoma, and his sister, Vickie Reeder, of Kingston, Oklahoma.  Wayne was preceded in death by his son, Timothy, his parents, his brother, David, and sister, Shirley Combrink.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the High Plains Food Bank.  Due to COVID19 restrictions, a public memorial service will not be conducted; a private family interment will follow at a future date in Llano Cemetery, Amarillo.

6 Replies to “Wayne Henderson”

  1. Red was one of the finest man I ever knew. It took me under his wing and taught me so much about the complete meat industry, and about life. Caring for others, being honest, doing what you say you will do which all men integrity. Red is the most integrity of any man I ever worked with, and he knew he could depend on me for anything. I never had a doubt about anything that he requested and this is unusual in the construction industry. He will be dearly missed by me. Larry Stephenson

  2. Wayne and I are cousins, but I don’t remember much about him when I was younger. But we did get to know each other better when we were going to Winegar Reunions. I will always remember his bright smile and how he loved to tell about younger days at Grandma and Grandpa Winegar’s house in Searcy. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Jean and the family.

  3. Wayne was a very generous, kind and loving man! I have always admired him and considered he and Jean family! I will miss his smile and stories and his generous heart! My prayers go out to each of you for comfort and peace. You will all hold a special place in my heart always!!!

  4. Uncle Wayne is such a good man. We send our love and prayers to you all. What a wonderful tribute to a great man. I always have looked up to my uncle Wayne. Some of my most enjoyable times was sitting around listening to all the stories. We love you all and want to send our condolences. Wish we could be there to celebrate his life. We love you Jean, Eddie, Mike and Jody. Love to you all and your families.

  5. Wayne was such a great man. Though it’s been a long time since I’ve seen him, he left a stamp on my heart. ❤️ Wayne was very generous and willingness to share anything he had, and he always showed respect no matter whom he was addressing. He always had a laugh and a story to tell.
    My prayers are with each of the Henderson family as they walk this path without this precious man. Love you all.

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