Mr. U.K. “Kerr” Henderson III, 79, resident of Onancock, beloved husband of the late Bonnie Watkinson Henderson for nearly 50 years, and loving father, brother, and grandfather, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2018. Born in Nassawadox March 31, 1939, he was the son of the late Dr. Upshur Kerr Henderson Jr. and Daris Greer Henderson.
Mr. Henderson attended Accomack County Public Schools until transferring to Hargrave Military Academy, graduating in 1957. He continued his education at Old Dominion University and began his career as a pharmaceutical sales rep. He aspired to follow in the footsteps of his namesake; however, it wasn’t long before he knew a suit and tie wasn’t for him. After a few years working for Custis & Brown Seafood, in Washington, D.C., he accepted a position as quality control supervisor at Perdue Farms, from which he later retired. Post retirement, Mr. Henderson took a parttime job as a delivery driver for NAPA Auto Parts. He looked forward to visiting the stores each day, and he especially enjoyed the many friendships made and stories shared over the years.
Raised in a Christian home, Mr. Henderson and his family were members of Drummondtown United Methodist Church. Like any true Eastern Shoreman, he loved feeling the mud between his toes, and there were few places he’d rather be than clamming on Cedar Island, fishing, or boating with his family. He was well known for his talent to refinish furniture, a passion that quickly turned into a side job for many years. He was an avid hunter during his youth and enjoyed shooting guns of all kinds, most of which were from his personal collection.
Survivors include his three children, Terry F. Payne and his wife, Melissa, of Onancock, Cindy P. Joynes and her husband, Arthur, of Accomac, and Lisa P. Scott and her husband, Scotty, of Onancock; sister, Joan Henderson Shaw, of Accomac; five grandchildren, Kelly Scott Doughty and her husband, Jeff, Shannon Terry Joynes, Hayley Reide Payne, Everett Wilson Savage, and Martin Quinn Savage; great-grandchildren, Landon and Alexis; nephew, Douglas Shaw and his wife, Cathy, and their daughters, Claire, Kate and Nathalie, of Annapolis, Md.; numerous cousins and their families; and perhaps most importantly, his dog, Beggar, whom he adored. In addition to his wife, Bonnie W. Henderson, and his parents, Mr. Henderson was predeceased by his grandson, Christopher Kerr Hart; and brother-in-law, Brooks L. Shaw.
It was Mr. Henderson’s wish for his loved ones to gather privately at the family home, Willow Hill, where they will lay him to rest with Bonnie. It was also his wish that friends celebrate his life as they enjoy the water, fishing, clamming, or just enjoying the beauty of the shore.
In honor of Mr. Henderson’s love for animals and the barrier islands, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the SPCA, P.O. Box 164, Onley, VA 23418, or to the Barrier Island Center, P.O. Box 206, Machipongo, VA 23405.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements were made by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
