Rollie Douglas Henderson
Sunrise ~ August 15, 1949
Sunset ~ October 29, 2024
With hearts overflowing with gratitude and aching with sorrow, we share the story of our beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather—a man whose life was a testament to love, dedication, and quiet strength.
He was the anchor in our lives, the steady hand and warm heart who showed us the true meaning of family. We were so incredibly lucky to call him Dad.
From his first day as a father, he embraced the role with all of his heart. His love was boundless, and he gave it unconditionally, raising each of us—Lisa, Kimberly, Douglas, and Debra—with a gentle strength that made us feel safe, valued, and endlessly loved.
He taught us all by example, showing us how to live with kindness, respect, and compassion. And even as he weathered his own hardships, he did so with a quiet resilience that inspired us all.
He filled our lives with love, and as he watched his family grow, his heart only expanded.
He was so proud to be the grandfather to—Payne, Darius, John Allen, Shaquille, Cushan, Jamila, Ashley, Taadi, Janessa, and John Finley—each one a new light in his life – and his great grandchildren – David Brown(Payne), Maijor Allen, Ja’Vani Allen (John Allen) who he absolutely adored.
As a devoted grandfather, he took immense pride in seeing a third generation embrace higher education. He celebrated his granddaughter Taadi Henderson’s achievement as she graduated from San Jose State University this past spring with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Marketing. His heart swelled with joy knowing his legacy continued, with his granddaughter Janessa Henderson on the path to graduate from UC Berkeley in 2026. His love and pride for his family and their accomplishments were a true testament to the values he cherished and instilled.
His final years were spent in Atlanta in the embrace of his daughter Debra, granddaughter Payne, and great-grandson David. They brought him a peaceful joy that only family could provide and allowed him to just be a dad and grand dad, and indulge fully in his love of sports and black and white movies. He had given all of his children everything we needed, and Debra, Payne, and David were blessed to give him that same love in return as he spent his last few years fully loving his life in Atlanta.
Our father was more than just a parent; he was a good friend, uncle, cousin, caregiver, and the most caring of neighbors. To everyone who knew him, he was kindness itself, a man whose soul was gentle and whose heart was big enough to hold us all. His life was an example of everything good, his legacy one of pure love.
He did his job here on earth, and he did it with a grace and devotion that words can hardly capture. He was a parent who gave his whole heart to his family and we are eternally grateful. As we say goodbye, we carry forward his love, his values, and his light, knowing we were blessed beyond measure.
Our father was preceded in death by his mother Dorothy Moye, his father Herbert Bailey Henderson, his grandson, Devon Henderson, and his sister LaVeria Johnson.
To our beloved dad—your love will live on in our hearts forever. We are so grateful for every moment, every lesson, every bit of love you gave us. Rest now, Dad. You have done so much for us. Until we meet again, know that you are deeply loved, always.
A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m., November 9, 2024, at Fairlawn Burial Park, 2401 Carey Blvd, Hutchinson, KS with Rev. William J. Green Sr. officiating. Hutchinson Funeral Chapel is overseeing the arrangements.
“In the end, it wasn’t wealth or fame he left behind, but a legacy of love in every heart he touched. A simple man, but to us, he was everything. We will carry his kindness forward, for his spirit lives on in the love he gave so freely. Forever missed, forever cherished.”