Ray Strauby Henderson

Ray Strauby Henderson, 78, died Thursday, Feb. 23.

Ray was born on Feb. 2, 1939, in Farmer, to Leslie Ray Henderson and Helen Sue Strauby Henderson.

Ray was a loving and caring brother, husband, father and grandfather who routinely placed the needs of others above the needs of his own. As Christ came to this world to serve and not be served, Ray followed this example to the fullest.

He began his education at Vannoy Country School and attended high school at Bowling Green High School. He earned his B.S. at the University of Missouri and his masters at Webster College in St. Louis.

His teaching career as a band director started in 1960 and spanned 37 years at 10 different high schools and one college.

He attended Concord Country Church and remained active in many more churches serving as a music and youth minister and choir director.

Later in his career, he also wrote music theory curriculum for Florida Baptist Seminary.

Outside of work he enjoyed fishing, hunting and target practice, but his greatest joy was going to auctions and restoring antiques.

Survivors include his wife of over 56 years, Elizabeth Ann Pritchet Henderson; a son, Kevin Henderson and daughter-in-law, Bridgett and son, Seth of Columbia; a daughter, Crystal Elmore and son-in-law, Ed of Tampa, Fla.; one daughter, Kimberly Mayfield and son-in-law, Tom; and their son, Mitchell and daughter, Morgan of Grayson, Ga.; and niece, Eldonna Steers Chestnut of Gardner, Kan.

Ray was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Eldon Steers and their son, John Leslie.