My father had a brief career as a journalist his sophomore year in high school covering Darden football games for the Wilson Daily Times under the byline “Skip Henderson.” By his senior year, he was editor of Darden’s yearbook. His writing career ended there, but he spent the rest of his educational life in sports, as a player, coach, and mentor.
Rederick C. Henderson would have turned 90 today. I miss him to my core and not a day passes that I don’t think of him and give thanks for all poured into those he loved.
Wilson Daily Times, 29 September 1950.
Wilson Daily Times, 27 October 1950.
Editor-in-chief R.C. Henderson, front, with some of the annual staff. From “The Trojan,” the yearbook of C.H. Darden High School, 1952.
The last time I saw Mr. Henderson, he and Mrs. Henderson, were at Jackson Chapel First Missionary Baptist Church. He smiled broadly, lowered his head (I’m short), and said, “I bet you don’t know who I am.” Of course I did. It was more than knowing about his role in local basketball but it was his kindness that made me remember him. You can go to records and archives to find records but you can only find how someone made you feel in your heart. Thanks for the memory of kindness.
Thanks so much for sharing! Since he passed I’ve heard so many wonderful little stories about the impact he had on others!
Happy Heavenly Birthday to him.
Love “Skip’s” graphic descriptions in “aerial missiles” and “ripped 23 yards down to the two” ! Would love to have met him and “Booker Briggs” !
What a father, scholar , leader, mentor, and role model !!! Fruit doesn’t fall to far from the tree; you are indeed case in point, Lisa. Happy with you about such fond memories of your father.
Thank you!!