Charles Ezra Henderson

Charles Ezra Henderson, 77 of Saucier, passed away at his home Friday afternoon, surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 27, 1943 in New Burnside, IL, the third of four sons to Charles & Delores (Wright) Henderson. Charles, or Charlie to those who knew him best, grew up in Creal Springs, IL where he enjoyed dogs and horses, fishing and baseball. He also loved to work on and fix things, something that would stick with him through life. Charlie attended Creal Springs High School, where he played and pitched for the baseball team. Things weren't moving fast enough to suit him, so he dropped out of high school, obtained his GED and joined the US Navy Seabees, where he would be for the next 22 years. During that time, Charlie served both at home and abroad, with three tours in Vietnam and duty stations in several other locations. One of those was Naples, Italy, where a young lady named Carmela D'Angelo caught his eye. They began to see more of each other, with Charlie eventually asking her dad for her hand in marriage. Though he tried to talk him out of it, they were married Feb. 10, 1964 in Naples, making their first home there. Over the years, they have lived in Rhode Island, California, Illinois and eventually South Mississippi as Charlie served in the Seabees before retiring. During his service, he was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal (Silver star & ribbon), Vietnam Service Medal where he also received the Purple Heart, M16 Rifle Expert, numerous Good Conduct Awards, Navy "E" Award and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. Following his retirement, Charlie drove over-the-road for a while before deciding to open Charlie's Lawnmower Shop in Pass Christian. They also had the Speed Queen Laundromat in Long Beach, which their kids dubbed "the cleanest laundromat around", since that was among their jobs growing up. Charlie was not one to sit idly by, always tinkering and fixing things. He enjoyed mechanicing and always made sure the family's cars were serviced and running in top shape. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, especially around Cat Island. Charlie is remembered as a "one-of-a kind" father, a loving, relaxed and easy-going husband too. He was good, as long as he was in his recliner, had his coffee and the remote was in his hand. He will no doubt be fondly remembered and sadly missed by all whose life he touched. Charlie was preceded by his parents, Charles & Delores Henderson, and his three brothers: Gary, Gene and Lowe. Left to cherish his memories are: his loving, devoted wife of 56 years, Carmela; their daughters, Deeann (Richard) Shavers and Sandra Thomas, with sons Chuck (Carol Anne) Henderson and Darrell (Shawn) Henderson. He leaves a legacy of four grandchildren, two great-grands, with numerous extended family and friends, literally around the world. Charlie's final wishes were to be cremated, which his family is honoring. He will be laid to rest with full military honors, at a private family memorial Friday morning in Biloxi National Cemetery. In lieu of any floral arrangements, the family requests donations be made to the Paralyzed Veterans of America in his honor. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Henderson family in their time of need, asking everyone to keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.