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TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE UPON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE ROY C. HENDERSON OF SPARTANBURG, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the members of the Senate were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Roy G. Henderson on December 22, 2013; and
Whereas, Mr. Henderson was a native of Washington, Pennsylvania; and
Whereas, Mr. Henderson earned his bachelor of science degree from the former South Carolina State College, his master of science degree from Indiana University, and he pursued further studies in the graduate education program at Converse College; and
Whereas, in 1950, Mr. Henderson began his educational and coaching career at Spaulding High School in Lamar, South Carolina, where he organized and coached the school's first black high school football team; and
Whereas, in 1951, Coach Henderson organized the first physical education program at St. Stephen High School in Berkeley County, South Carolina and while at St. Stephen, he organized and coached their first black football team; and
Whereas, in 1952, Mr. Henderson joined the faculty at Carver High School in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where he taught physical education and organized Carver's first junior varsity basketball and track teams; and
Whereas, during his tenure at Carver High School, Coach Henderson served as assistant football coach, offensive coordinator, head coach, athletic director and assistant principal. Coach Henderson led the Carver Tigers to two Piedmont Conference Championships, three State Championships and one State Runner-up Berth; and
Whereas, in 1970 he became an assistant principal at Spartanburg High School where he served until his retirement in 1984; and
Mr. Henderson served his community through his involvement with the Spartanburg City Council, where he served as mayor pro tempore. As city councilman, Mr. Henderson worked cooperatively with his fellow council members to bring BMW and the Marriott hotel to Spartanburg. Mr. Henderson also helped to bring a minority business council to the city and fought for affordable housing for Spartanburg residents. He was a charter member of the Xi Theta Lambda chapter of Alpha Pi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., was involved with the S.C. State University Alumni Association, served as a deacon at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, and later at Majority Baptist Church, where he served until his death. He was the founder of the Progressive Men's Club, where he was president of the J.C. Bull Right Start, a mentoring program for minority boys in the city. He was president and a lifetime member of the NAACP. While in the NAACP, Mr. Henderson fought for equality in the hiring and promotion of minorities in government and business. Mr. Henderson was named a plaintiff along with the U.S. Department of Justice in tackling systemic discrimination in Spartanburg School District 7; and
Whereas, Mr. Henderson touched and impacted the lives of many through his work as an educator and coach and through his service on the council. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the Senate, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of The Honorable Roy C. Henderson of Spartanburg and extend their deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the family of The Honorable Roy C. Henderson.
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