Julius Roscoe ”JR” Henderson, 82, passed from this life on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at White River Medical Center in Batesville, Arkansas. JR peacefully finished his journey with life surrounded by his family.
Born on July 5, 1942, in Mountain View, Arkansas, to Julius Lee ”Dude” Henderson and Dollie (Sutterfield) Henderson, JR lived a life rooted in hard work, family, and community. A 1960 graduate of Mountain View High School, JR quickly entered the workforce, building a reputation for his dedication and skill across several industries.
JR began his career at the Singer Sewing Machine factory, later joining his family to work at the Heading Mill. He then went on to serve as the Water Superintendent for the city of Mountain View, a role where his dedication to the community truly shone.
Afterward, JR ventured into entrepreneurship, successfully running his own medical supply company. In his later years, he enjoyed substitute teaching, where he took great pride in ”wow-ing” students with his impressive math skills. His ability to connect with young minds and his passion for learning left a lasting impression on many.
Above all, JR treasured his family. A man who worked with his hands, he was always there to help his daughters and grandchildren with building or improving their homes, ensuring they had his support in creating a space of their own. His love for the outdoors went hand in hand with his love for family. He especially cherished time spent by the creek or on family vacations, always striving to keep his loved ones connected through shared adventures and meaningful moments together.
JR was a dedicated member of Big Springs Missionary Baptist Church, where he attended with his family. He found joy in serving his church community and took great pride in singing in the choir.
JR also had a deep passion for politics. He was a fixture at the local ”round table,” where he gathered with friends for coffee and lively discussions. He jokingly referred to himself as a ”Stone County political analyst,” a title he took seriously, staying well-informed and always ready with an opinion on the local political scene. Known for his strong will and unyielding nature, JR was unapologetically himself-a man whose steadfast convictions inspired strong feelings in others. People either loved him or disagreed with him, but one thing was certain: JR never wavered in being true to himself.
JR will be remembered for his hard work, deep love for family, and his unshakable sense of self. He left a lasting legacy in his community and will be deeply missed.
JR is preceded in death by his parents, Dude and Dollie Henderson; brother, James Henderson; sister, June Burroughs, as well as a multitude of extended family and friends.
JR is survived by Shelby Jean of the home; his three daughters, Paulette (Brent) Nichols of Fifty-Six; Robin (Mark) Bauerlein of Timbo; and Renee (Stacey) Avey of Timbo; sister, Leda Faye Lovell of Mountain View; grandchildren Kristi (Luis) Manzanares of
Fifty-Six; Amber (Nathan) Masterson of Mountain View; Justin (Lauren) Bauerlein of Fort Smith; Danielle Bauerlein of Raleigh, North Carolina; Chris (Kallie) Avey of Alco; Zach (Josey) Avey of Timbo; Emily (Luke) Johnson of Pleasant Grove; Audrey Avey of Springdale; Sydney (Garrett) Mullins of Timbo; and Alex Bauerlein of Greenbrier; eleven great-grandchildren; as well as a host of extended family and friends.
The pallbearers are Chris Avey, Zach Avey, Luke Johnson, Garrett Mullins, Justin Bauerlein, and Nathan Masterson.
Honorary Pallbearers are KFC Men of the Round Table
