Roswell Dwight Henderson Sr., age 85, passed away on Monday, April 19, 2021 in Altamonte Springs, Florida. Roswell was born on July 26, 1935 in Tarver, Georgia.
Roswell served his country in the U.S. Army as a Special Forces Green Beret medic and master paratrooper. He served one tour in Korea, three tours of duty in Vietnam, and was a Son-Tay Raider. Decorations included an air medal with valor, a bronze star with valor and two oak leaf clusters, a Purple Heart with two oak leaf clusters, and numerous other service and campaign awards before retiring as a Sergeant First Class. After retirement, he graduated from Baptist Bible College in Springfield, MO, and pastored several churches in Mississippi. Roswell continued his education and also graduated from Mississippi State University. He then moved to Florida to teach, mentor, and live the example of a Christian man for his students.
He was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and spread the word to everyone he met and was a long-time member, deacon, and Sunday School teacher at Brush Arbor Baptist Church in Orlando.
Roswell enjoyed fishing, growing several types of fruit in his back yard, watching the Florida Gators play sports, and spending time with his church and blended families. His quick wit and wonderful sense of humor could lighten any situation.
He was preceded in death by his father Walter Henderson, mother Sadie (Fraser) King, first wife Retha L. Henderson, brother Wallace Henderson, and sister-in-law Jinnette Henderson.
He is survived by wife Betty J. Henderson; children Roswell Dwight Henderson Jr. (Marcia), Beverly H. Boltinhouse (Lester), and David T. Henderson (Carrie); step-children Stephen W. Golloway and Linda Veney; seven grandchildren; 13 step-grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; 9 step-great-grandchildren; siblings Marvin Henderson, Eloise Willingham (John), and Bonnie McMichael; sister-in-law Kathryn Henderson; and a host of friends. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
A visitation will be held from 2:00 to 3:00 PM on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at Brush Arbor Baptist Church, 2304 N Goldenrod Rd, Orlando, FL 32807. The funeral service will begin at 3:00 PM.
Interment is planned for Sunday, April 25, 2021, at 2:00 PM at the Kennebec Baptist Church Cemetery in Angier, NC.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Brush Arbor Christian School, 2304 N. Goldenrod, Orlando, FL 32807.
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