Thomas Ray Henderson, 79

January 5, 1945 – November 24, 2024

Philippians 4:6 – “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Thomas Ray Henderson, 79, beloved husband, dad, brother, papaw, neighbor, and friend, departed this life peacefully on Sunday November 24, 2024, at the Tippah County Hospital with loved ones faithfully by his side, waiting in full love and care as they said goodbye.

Service honoring the well lived life of Mr. Ray will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday November 27, 2024, at Ripley Church of Christ with Bro. Donnie Debord officiating and son, Michael Henderson sharing personal reflections. Visitation will be from 5 PM until 8 PM Tuesday November 26, 2024, at Ripley Church of Christ and will continue from 9 AM until time of service on Wednesday. Graveside will follow in Tippah Memorial Garden.

Born January 5, 1945, in Middleton Tennessee, Mr. Ray was the son of the late Thomas Earl and Annie Mae Ray Henderson. He was a graduate of Middleton High School and on December 11, 1965, he married his beloved wife, Sherry Webster Henderson, who survives. Mr. Ray devoted himself to serving others, as he proudly served in the United States Army, The National Guard, and volunteered with the Ripley Fire Department for most of his life. He always provided for his family, for was a skillful mechanic working with H & H Garage, Genesco, Wood Craft, Ford, and Elite, and working in security with Ashley Furniture, until his health declined. His dedication to his family, community, and others were clear to see, as he proudly served Tippah Community well in all he did.

A Christian and faithful member of Ripley Church of Christ, Mr. Ray found joy in all the simple things life had to offer. Whether it was deer hunting, which he was never very successful at, as he slept the majority of the time, and every summer spent in the garden, riding the tractor and taking great pride in producing vegetables, especially his famous tomatoes, that he always shared with his neighbors and friends, Mr. Ray loved being outdoors, in God’s creation. Often times he could be seen cruising up and down county road 718, riding his golf cart, offering a wave to those who passed by, and always having a faithful dog sitting right by his side. Family was most important to Mr. Ray, and he took great pride in being the best “Papaw” to his grand and great grandchildren. Sundays were always spent at his home, where everyone came together for lunch and the weekly afternoon game of cards being played.

Mr. Ray lived a life full of laughter, love, and light. He never met a stranger, and his kindness and welcoming spirit were felt by all who knew him. His love of service to his fellowman, and devotion to his God, family, and community will long be remembered by his loving family and wide circle of friends. We are forever blessed, and our lives enriched, bright, and joyous because Mr. Ray lived 79 years amongst us, believing in us, helping us, and loving us.

In addition to his wife of 59 years, Sherry Webster Henderson, those left to cherish memories include one son, Michael Henderson (Lindsay), three daughters, Gina Stroupe (Dennis), Lisa Morrison (Steve), and Kelli Bryowsky (Chris), two sisters, Gail Baker, and Shelia Bryan (Gary), two brothers, Doug Henderson (Emma), and Ricky Henderson (Lisa), eleven grandchildren, April Horton (Kyle), Raygan Stroupe (Erika), Matthew Morrison (Emily), Hana Wallace (Stephen), Jonathan Morrison (Paige),Haley Henderson, Anna Laura Henderson, Lilah Krom, Channer Bryowsky, Averlee Bryowsky, and Kallen Bryowsky, twelve great grandchildren, Keegan, Addilyn, Lynlee, Reese Ann, Kayson, Matley, Radlee, Marley, Nellie, Emma, Taegan, and Boone.

He is also preceded in death by one sister, Margaret Nance, and one granddaughter, Shannon Stroupe.

Family request donations be directed to the American Cancer Society at P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, or the Pine Vale Children’s Home at 1872 County Road 700 1-A, Corinth, MS 38834.

Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with Mr. Ray’s family.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.