William Samuel Henderson

Rev. William Samuel Henderson, III passed away peacefully at home in Gainesville, GA on Sunday, January 26, 2025 after a long bout with cancer. He is predeceased by his parents, William Samuel Henderson, II and Ruby Sue House Henderson; his sisters, Suzanne Henderson Haulbrook and Janet Henderson Pratt; and his nephew, Eddie Henderson.

Known as Sam by his friends and family, he was born on June 30, 1946 in Chattanooga, TN. He attended Brainerd High School where he enjoyed playing baseball and football before graduating in 1964. He went on to attend Carson-Newman College and earn a bachelor degree in psychology at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. In 1967-1968, Sam served as youth minister at Signal Mountain Baptist Church where he met and married his beloved wife, Debbie.

Sam worked in sales and management for several companies in Chattanooga. He was ordained at Ridgedale Baptist Church in Chattanooga in 1978. While earning a Master of Divinity degree at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY, he dedicated himself full-time to the service of God, pastoring churches in Kentucky, Michigan, Tennessee and Georgia. He actively participated in a variety of Christian mission work including disaster relief and a trip to preach and support pastors in Cuba. He retired from Berea Baptist Church in Commerce, GA in May of 2023. Sam’s faithfulness to God, integrity, passion for studying and teaching the Word of God and his compassion for all who God placed in his path impacted many lives during his lifetime and over four decades of professional ministry.

Sam will be remembered as a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He shared a deep love with Debbie and was proud of their 56-year marriage and partnership in ministry. He cherished his children, grandchildren and great-grandson, playing an active part in their lives throughout the years, always making time to attend their sporting events, concerts and plays. He shared his love of the outdoors with them, taking them on camping trips and teaching them how to fish. Most importantly, his Christian guidance and embodiment of God the Father’s love was a blessing to his family and will be his most lasting legacy.

Sam is survived by his loving wife, Debra Faith Harris Henderson, his children: Debbie Anne Henderson Van Amberg (Mike) of Newnan, GA, Amy Elizabeth Henderson Holland (Greg) of Gainesville, GA and William Samuel (Bill) Henderson, IV (Tabitha) of Winter Garden, FL, seven grandchildren: Josh Holland (Haley), Owen Holland, Ian Van Amberg, Sarah Van Amberg, Peyton Henderson, Ben Henderson and Kate Henderson, his great-grandson James Holland, his brother Joe Edward Henderson (Sally) and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 3 PM, Wednesday, January 29 at Berea Baptist Church with Rev. Chris Burns officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday from 1 until 2:30 PM. Interment service for his family will be held at 1 PM on Thursday, January 30 at Chattanooga Memorial Park, Chattanooga, TN.

The family wishes to express deep gratitude to Berea Baptist Church of Commerce and Northeast Georgia Medical Center Hospice. Sam has respectfully requested that all flowers be omitted. Contributions may be made to the Paul Anderson Youth Home, P.O. Box 525, Vidalia, GA 30475 or to Berea Baptist Church, 545 A.C. Smith Rd., Commerce, GA 30530.

Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce is in charge of arrangements.