Douglas Cicero Henderson

Douglas Cicero Henderson, Sr., 89, of Newport, left this earthly life on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 surrounded by family at his home.

A time of visitation will be held on Friday, May 4, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Community Life Center of St. James United Methodist Church, Newport, NC.  A Celebration Service of Mr. Henderson’s life witnessing to the resurrection will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at St. James United Methodist Church at 2:00 pm, officiated by Rev. Tom Supplee.  The family will have an additional time of visitation in the fellowship hall after the service.

A private internment of Mr. Henderson’s cremains will be held prior to the funeral service at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Newport, NC.

Born May 5, 1928, in Newport, he was the second child to Claude and Helen Henderson.  Doug grew up in Newport and remained a life-long resident except for his time of military service.  He attended Newport Consolidated School and began his electrical apprentice work with Graham Stobaugh. He served two years in the US Army during the Korean Conflict.  While in the service, he advanced his education by taking any course available to him. He partnered with Durwood Hill to form H & H Electric Service in 1956, a business that he continued to advise and offer service until the last weeks of his life.  He married Bonnie Lee Garner of Newport on October 26, 1957 at St. James United Methodist Church.  His faith in God and abiding love of the Lord was evidenced by his continual study of the scriptures, his involvement as a lay leader, his service as a choir member and trustee, and his guidance as a Sunday school teacher for many years.  Doug offered beautiful and heart-felt prayers at meal times and special occasions whenever called upon.

Doug was a founding member of Clan Henderson Society, designed to strengthen friendship among all people and to celebrate Scottish Heritage.  He also served as the first Clan Chaplain, praying for and encouraging society members to be kind and loving. For over 35 years, Doug attended the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in Linville, NC.

Doug’s civic involvement included a term on Newport Town Council and service on the Advisory Committee for Newport Elementary School.  He also served as Newport’s Police Commissioner and a volunteer fireman.

As a career electrician, Doug was a stable fixture at the Electrical Institute Meetings in Raleigh for over 50 years.  He could quote perfectly the National Electrical Code from numerous sections and always enjoyed explaining the code to others.

Beyond his family and friends, Doug’s love and support extended to all levels of baseball from Newport Little League to Babe Ruth Baseball, West Carteret High Baseball, to the New York Yankees. He was an avid supporter of NC State University and the Democratic party.  Fraternal organizations include his membership in the Newport Masonic Lodge, and the Woodmen of the World, Newport Lodge 336.

Doug fought a courageous 15-month battle with cancer and had utmost praise for the care he received from the staff of the Raab Clinic and Coleman Radiation Center at Carteret Healthcare, Morehead City, NC.

He shared smiles, stories, hugs, and food with staff at the hospital and his local pharmacy who all helped him during this difficult time of his life.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Bonnie Garner Henderson, and his children, Judy Thompson and her daughter, Elizabeth Riley and her husband Brendon; Doug Henderson II and his wife, Debbie, and their sons, Douglas III, James, and Gabriel; Bill Henderson and his wife, Beth, and their children, Averi Linderman and her husband, Grant, Jenna, and William; Kyle Henderson and his wife, Susan, and their children, Cate and John; DeAnna Bousman and her husband, Bobby, and their children, Bobby and Caroline.  His three great grandchildren include Georgia Mac and Francie Linderman, and Davis Riley.  Mr. Henderson is also survived by four siblings, Ann Caulder of Oxford, AL; Justine Howard and her husband, Clayton of Kinston, NC; Cecilia Kuiper and her husband, Jerry of Garner, NC, and Julia Jane Pernell of Plano, TX.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Myrtle Henderson of Raleigh, NC; and his brother, Claude Alfred Henderson of Manassas, VA, whose widow, Ann Henderson of Newport also survives him. He also had a special relationship with his wife’s brother, Buddy Garner and his wife, Nancy of Marshallberg, NC.

Doug had numerous nieces and nephews who along with their families he held with great affection.  Doug is also survived by Maggie, his faithful canine companion.  Doug endeared himself to many by his concern and devotion so that they have often considered him part of their family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Community Life Center of St. James United Methodist Church of Newport, NC (P.O. Box 250, Newport, NC 28570).

Online condolences can be made at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements are by Munden Funeral Home and Crematory in Morehead City, NC.