Donald L. Henderson

Donald L. Henderson, 91, of Prosperity, South Carolina, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, December 22, 2025, after a brief illness.

Born on October 25, 1934, in Union, South Carolina, Don was a son of the late Lillie Greer Henderson and Virgil "Verge" David Henderson. He was a graduate of Union High School.

He was an active member of Bethel Baptist Church in Prosperity, SC, serving as a deacon and on several committees until the health of his wife no longer permitted it. Prior to moving to Lake Murray, Don was an active member of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Union, SC. There he served as a deacon, children's Sunday School teacher, and ran the sound system. In both churches he developed many close and lifelong friendships, many of whom were there with Ann to welcome him at the Pearly Gates.

Donald was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, serving four years as a Machinist Mate, First Class Petty Officer, aboard the USS Lowry Destroyer. His service to his country was a source of great pride throughout his life, and he was especially proud to see his legacy of service continue through his grandson who serves today as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy.

Don went to work at Torrington Ingersoll Rand when it was first established in Union, being one of the first 9 people hired for the new industry. He continued working there until his retirement. He loved his Torrington family, but the call of Lake Murray was too strong.

Don loved the years he and Ann spent at Lake Murray, and he loved his Newberry Shores community. They were always so good to him and especially helpful to him during Ann's many years of living with Alzheimers. He loved his South Carolina Gamecocks, Shealy's BBQ, banana milkshakes and making banana pudding for his family. He had a lifelong love of hunting, fishing and gardening. Above all, he dearly loved his family, especially his grandchildren – the apples of his eyes – and his great grandboys whom he hoped would love the lake as much as he did.

Surviving are his daughters, Donice H. Orton, and husband, Gary, and Terri H. Renna, and husband, Rick; sisters, Lucille Hooper and Armenta Martin; granddaughter, Drew R. Black, and husband, Taylor; grandson, Gray Ransom, and wife, Liza; and his great-grandsons, Bennett, Hudson, and Henry Black. He is also survived by a niece, Heather Loftis; close family friend, Dare Townsend, and Barbara Johns whom he considered an adopted daughter, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, and his beloved wife of almost 67 years, Ann Vinson Henderson Don was preceded in death by sister, Clarice Mayo, and brother, Virgil D. Henderson, Jr.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Tabernacle Baptist Church conducted by Rev. Dr. Tommy Vaughan, and Rev. Brad Goodale. Interment with military honors will follow at Union Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends on Saturday from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM prior to the service.

Pallbearers will be Gary Orton, Rick Renna, Taylor Black, Gray Ransom, Mark Haney, and Evan Haney.

Memorials may be made to Union Animal Shelter 1647 Jonesville Hwy., Union, SC 29379 or Tabernacle Baptist Church 915 Pinckney St., Union, SC 29379.