Berry Henry Henderson, Jr., passed peacefully on September 4, 2026, in Columbus, Georgia, at the age of 93. He was born on September 27, 1932, in Athens, Georgia, and lived a long life marked by leadership, service, and devotion to the pursuits he loved.
Mr. Henderson earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from North Georgia College in 1953. He went on to build a distinguished military career, retiring from the United States Army in 1975 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Over the course of 22 years of service, he served as an aviator. He amassed more than 3,000 flight hours as an airplane and helicopter pilot, including commanding a Chinook company in Vietnam in 1965. He also served as an instructor for the Command and General Staff Officer Course. Leadership was a defining part of his life, and in every organization of which he was a member, he rose to positions of responsibility and trust.
Following his military service, Mr. Henderson continued to make a lasting impact in the professional community. He started a career in real estate and organized Showcase Realty with three other partners in 1977. He became a real estate instructor, served as president of the local board, and was dean of the Georgia Real Estate Institute. His commitment to excellence and service also led him to become president of the Georgia Association of Realtors. In each chapter of his life, he brought energy, discipline, and a steady sense of purpose.
He also embraced life’s pleasures with enthusiasm. He and Marcella loved to travel together, creating memories through their shared adventures. He loved Cadillacs and horses, interests that reflected both his style and his spirited nature.
Berry will be remembered with love by his family and all who knew him. He is survived by his son, B. H. “Skip” Henderson and Karon; daughter, Susan Henderson; his granddaughter, Kyle Henderson and Mike Karam; his grandson, Joe Henderson and McKenna; and his great-grandson, Burke Karam; his niece, Kathleen Hughes, along with several great nieces and nephews. He leaves behind a family who will carry forward his memory with pride and affection.
He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of over 52 years, Marcella; his parents, Berry and Jo Henderson; and his sister, Mary Ann Henderson. Their memories remained part of the foundation of his life, and they are now reunited with him in peace.
Visitation will be held on September 8, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd., Columbus, GA 31907. A Celebration of Life will be held on September 9, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at St. Paul Church of Columbus, 2101 Wildwood Ave, Columbus, GA 31906. Burial will follow from 12:00 p.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Parkhill Cemetery, 4161 Macon Road, Columbus, GA 31907.
For more information, visit: https://www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com/obituaries/berry-henderson-jr
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