Atrel Henderson, 74 of Valrico, FL transitioned on June 29th, 2024.
Sergeant Major (Retired) Henderson served his country for 32 years. During his stellar career, he taught numerous individuals, whether military personnel or civilian, he was always there to be of service to his country, his community and his church.
He taught Colonels & Captains as well as tutored school age children. He was a member of the Male Chorus Choir at Wesley Church of Hope in Columbus, Ohio, where he helped feed the homeless, delivered clothing to those in need, also, food and toys to local shelters. He made an impact on everyone he came in contact with.
SGM Henderson is survived by his loving wife, Lisa Wrice-Henderson, 4 Daughters: Michelle, Nina, Shevonne (Antonio) & J’Nise. 1 Son: Jermaine (Kristen) and a host of beloved family members. His memories will be cherished forever!!
Funeral services will be held in his honor at Veterans Funeral Care on Thursday, July 18th, 2024 with a visitation at 1:00 PM, funeral service at 2:00 PM and reception to follow.
We love you!!!
“Fly high, My Husband, Fly high”
Sister Lisa we continue to pray your strength and peace during this time of grief. God is too wise to make a mistake so we must trust Him always. Brother Atrel sings in the heavenly choir now, standing upright, yet kneeling before our King. He is restored and in the days ahead, so shall you as well. We love you and are here for you.
Pastor Karen Sims and the Mt. Zion family
I’m praying for you, I’m going to miss Atrel. LOVE YOU
May God bring peace and comfort during this challenging time. Atrel was kind and consistently willing to step in and lend a helping hand. His actions and hospitality made us feel at home.Not only was he welcoming he loved to have fun and would do the “kid things” and always had some good snacks on deck. He could also hit a mean Pee Wee Herman! He fought a good fight now he can finally get the rest he deserves. Cherish the positive memories and express gratitude to God for the countless blessings in your past,present,and future. As Ecclesiates 3:4 reminds us,there is a time to weep,and a time to laugh,a time to mourn, and a time to dance. The Head family is sending heartfelt condolences and keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Our sincere condolences to the Henderson family, Sgt Henderson knew my brother Frankie in Vietnam, he and his wife came to visit our family. God Bless his family and friend.
To SGM Henderson’s family & friends: I am very sorry to read that my former right-hand in the Ohio National Guard passed away in 2024. SGM Henderson was a natural in the Equal Employment Opportunity Office. We had a flyer, with our photos and contact numbers, that was posted throughout the Ohio Army & Air National Guard units. Atrel looked at it and said, “Good cop, bad cop.” He was referring to himself as the good person. ha ha I agreed with him there, but we were both easy-going and needed to be due to our complaints-centric work. We both loved to teach, however, and that was a blessing. I thought of Atrel recently when an electrician who came to the house also served in the Vietnam War. I remembered what Atrel used to say to me: “Once you’ve been shot at, everything’s easy.” I shared that with the repairman and he laughed. Atrel’s comment is a good reminder of how tough life can really be. I was young during the war, but I used to pray that God would save at least one of our Soldiers because of my prayer. Indeed, Atrel had a guardian angel or two. When he went on leave one time, the enemy killed everyone in his tent with a satchel charge. Another time, the man who substituted for him while “walking point” was killed, and another time, the enemy shot too high above Atrel’s head and missed him. During some of my lunch breaks, I went to the Dublin library to order microfiche from the National Archives to research the MIA Soldier who Atrel had to leave behind as his company fled under enemy attack. The man, Prentice Wayne Hicks, was injured and Atrel couldn’t carry him by himself (Atrel was suffering from dehydration).So, he hid him as best he could by the side of a log and directed a rescue team where to find him days later. Prentice was never found, as he became a POW. Three of our Soldiers went missing during that skirmish. I was able to contact Prentice’s mother in Alabama, and she spoke with Atrel over the telephone. Atrel was the last known American to see Prentice alive. SGM Henderson was a great person and Soldier! He is on his best and final “tour” in Heaven, for sure. Thank you for your service, SGM! (Richard Boyce, who also posted on this site: I remember Atrel speaking to you about Frankie. He was very glad to tell you what he remembered about your brother. Take care.)
Lt Col Valerie Hazard Mueck, USAF, Retired