THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF KENNEY EVERETT HENDERSON

Kenney Everett Henderson, 81, of Concord NC, went home to be with the Lord, on Monday, March 9, 2026.  He was born in Newport News VA on November 24, 1944, to Grover Everett and Virginia Bragg Henderson.   Kenney is survived by his wife of 59 years Connie (Shiflett) Henderson, son, Christopher (Chris) Henderson, Concord, NC; daughters, Stephanie D (Henderson) Stapleton (Chuck), Concord NC, and Jennifer L (Henderson) Walsh (Scott), Collierville TN.   He and his wife enjoy their 13 Grandchildren and 16 Great-Grandchildren.   His love for his Lord and Savior Jesus, his immediate family, his brothers in law, sister in law, nephews, nieces, cousins and life long friends is immeasurable.

In his younger years, due to his parents having to move for employment, he attended many different elementary schools, and with that he had some great memories he carried through life.   Many friends made, many adventures done, many funny stories to tell, and he liked to tell those stories.

His high school years were attended at the Home of the Typhoons, Newport News High School in Newport News, Virginia.    During his time at NNHS, Kenney was on the Varsity Football team.  His greatest memory was his time on the Varsity Basketball team, under the coaching of Warren Mitchell.     The 1964 NNHS Varsity Basketball team won the State Championship in the Commonwealth of Virginia.    Kenney was very proud to be a part of the winning Typhoons team.  A tribute was made to the NNHS basketball team in a magazine dated 1964, titled Official High School Basketball Complete.   Within the body of front cover is indicated 8th District. 200 Players.   Pages 33 and 65 is a detailed article mentioning the players, Kenney being one of the five starters.

He loves to reminisce  when gathering with family or friends…..

Kenney served 6 years in the Marine Corps, and was given an Honorable Discharge on August 8, 1971, his rank was Sergeant.

Kenney and Connie were married on November 12, 1966.   They moved from Waynesboro to Lanham Maryland in 1967, where Kenney began a 33 year career at Potomac Electric Power Company in Washington DC retiring the end of 1999.   During his tenure at PEPco he was bestowed with the nickname 'Wahoo', a UVA fan, that remained.  For his last number of years with PEPco, he was called upon to "Roast" outgoing retirees, due to his quick wit.  They purchased their first home in October 1977 in Bowie MD and lived in it until moving to Concord NC in December 2010, to live across the street from their daughter Stephanie and her family.

Early retirement meant he could take on more duties in their family business managed by their son, Chris, that was opened January 1995.     He, also, took up the sport of Golf which ended up being one of his all time favorites.    During the many vacations in the Outer Banks, you mostly found Kenney and brother in law, Lyle, on the Golf course no matter the weather.

A devoted and loving husband and father, grandfather, he was always trying to come up with a scheme to play a prank on his family especially the crazy masks.   The kids would expect the silly antics of their Dad and Granddaddy and he never disappointed.  From games played where he did not meet a challenger he did not try to take down, no matter the Age!!!   To the grandkids bedded down in the sunroom on blow up mattresses lined up, the grands almost asleep and Kenney decided it was time to take a big beam light to shine in their faces announcing loudly, Bed Check!!!     He brought sheer joy to his family always keeping it lively.

Kenney is preceded in death by his father, mother, brother Grover Landon Henderson, grandson Zachary James Walsh, and two baby great-grandchildren.

Kenney will be greatly missed by his wife, as each day brought a new adventure.   Almost daily in messages sent whether in a beautiful card he made, a bought card or in text messages.   His adult children, because he was always reaching out to them for a conversation or a need.    His grandchildren, because he would love to talk especially basketball, the ACC season and the NCAA.    His in-laws, because of the many wonderful family times held in Waynesboro and vacations that he looked forward to, and he absolutely loved it all!    His cousins, because he treated them tenderly and loved talking family history with them.   Kenney's unfailing love for his family was known to all.

The family will receive visitation between 5 pm-7 pm on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the McDow Funeral Home, West Main Street, Waynesboro, Virginia.

A Celebration of Life will be held between 10 am and 12 noon, on Saturday March 14, 2026 at the McDow Funeral Home, officiated by their nephew Anthony B. Shiflett, Waynesboro.

The family has requested should anyone have a 'Kenney' story to share, it will be most welcomed during this service.

Honoring Kenney as pallbears will be his son Chris, son-in-laws Chuck Stapleton, Scott Walsh and grandsons Adam Stapleton, Joshua Walsh and Carlton Henderson.

Escorting Sergeant Kenney Henderson from McDow funeral home to his final resting place Augusta Memorial Park will be the local Waynesboro Patriot Guard.

Presenting the colors and folding the flag will be grandson, Sergeant First Class Dustin Henderson and nephew, Staff Sergeant Douglas Williams.

Internment will be at the Augusta Memorial Park, In The Garden section, being buried next to his mother and father.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Cabarrus County Fire Department squad #410, Cabarrus County EMS units 91 & 93, Cabarrus Sheriff Department Deputies Ellington, Anzeldua, due to their compassion and professionalism shown to Kenney and the family.   Special thank you to Deputy Jolly for staying with the family in support.