Samuel Henderson

After a life of devotion to God, country, and family, Samuel Royals Henderson, 79, passed away on the evening of January 16, 2022, at his home in Gautier, Mississippi, following an extended illness. A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Sam enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1958. While stationed in Milwaukee, Wis., he met the love of his life, Karen Fugarino. They made their home wherever the Navy took them, Wisconsin, Guam, California, Virginia, and Mississippi. They were married for 59 years. 

He retired from the Navy as a Machinist’s Mate Senior Chief Petty Officer. He served on the USS Trenton and the USS Iowa during its recommissioning in 1984. After completing his distinguished military service, Sam enjoyed a second career as a logistics supervisor at Northrop Grumman (now Huntington Ingalls Industries) in Pascagoula.

Sam loved music, designing, handcrafting, and playing guitars, and was skilled at making jewelry and home remodeling. When Hurricane Katrina flooded the family home in 2005, Sam and his youngest son, Anthony, spent a year rebuilding the house themselves.

Sam accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior, and he faced his long and difficult battle with Multiple Sclerosis with courage, faith, and hope. 

Sam is survived by his beloved wife Karen; three sons, Kevin Henderson (Ruth) of Charleston, S.C.; Chris Henderson (Roxanne) of Los Angeles, Calif.; and Anthony Henderson (Crystal) of Vancleave, Miss.; six grandchildren, Sara Abraham, Julia Henderson, Brianna Henderson, Sierra Stamant, Haydn, and Sydney Henderson; and two great-grandchildren, Ginger Stamant and Kai Abraham.

He is also survived by five loving siblings: Bennie Henderson of Carthage, Jeannette Bustin (Jerry) of Forest, Paul Henderson (Debbie) of Morton, Eddie Henderson (Melody) of Forest, and Leilani Salter (Sid) of Starkville.

The family will hold a private service to celebrate Sam’s life at a later date. To honor Sam, please consider contributing to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at www.nationalmssociety.org., The American Red Cross at www.redcross.org., or The Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org., or the church of your choice. 
 

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