Birth date: May 31, 1927 Death date: Jan 26, 2021
Russell Francis Hendrick, age 93, was called to the Lord on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. He was a family man, an entrepreneur, a nature and music enthusiast, and, as a life-lo Read Obituary
When my mom was widowed with 6 small children, she would shop at Short Stop for groceries and Mr Russell let her buy the groceries on credit. One day my mom said " I'd like to pay a portion of what I owe today." Mr Russell said OK, he went to the back of the store and came out and told my mother "Oh, that receipt book was accidentally thrown away. You don't owe anything." My mom cried and prayed for Russell and June every day, for the kindness they showed at a time when our family was suffering from our Dad's death in his 40s and serious financial difficulty as a result, 6 small children... We never went on vacation until the Hendricks invited us to go to the Smokies with them.
Russell Hendrick made a lasting impression on us, the embodiment of true Christian love and giving. We'll never forget this hero.
My tribute didn’t make it in dad’s celebration of life booklet, so here it is:
Dad, what I love most about you is your faithfulness to mom, your family, your faith, and your generosity.
I learned to love music, mainly because my bedroom was directly above the living room where your 3 foot speakers played very loudly the operas that you, mom, uncle Gus and Aunt Myrle loved to listen to late at night after coming home from the opera!! LOL
A couple of my children inherited that love of music and I know that made you happy!
I love books and reading,several of my children share that love too! You gave me a love for the great outdoors, especially grand Tetons, Mount Rainier and our beloved great smoky mountains!❤️
I remember eating Poboys on the steps under the crêpe myrtle trees of the old house behind the store !!
I will miss your dry sense of humor, your wisdom, and guidance and your shoulder to cry on.
I will cherish my many, many memories of Gatlinburg and the chalet.
Mostly dad I will miss your presence when the Hendrick nation gathers together for holidays and family celebrations. I love you and I love our family.
Love your youngest twin daughter,
Joan
Humbly, I had the great honor of being one of Russell's caregivers during the past 15 months. I am continually amazed, and am in awe, at the display of Godly love, strength & generosity of Russell & June. These wonderful traits radiate throughout their entire family!
I miss Russell tremendously, and promised him I would continue to take great care of his sweet, sweet, wonderful wife, my friend, June. June & I have a special bond as "sisters," as mine are deceased, and her sweet sister, Margie, is long distance. June & Margie converse daily on the phone, and I comfort June with a hug & a word that we are sisters and that I love her very much.
Rest in peace Russell. We will see you again....
I Thessalonians 12-18
Growing up, I always wanted to be one of the “girls” in the Hendrick family. Mr Russell and Miss June took me in when I was going through difficult family times and treated me as their own. It was a crazy, chaotic time with 7 kids and Shortstop, but they managed to pull it off with love and grace and laughter! I cherish those times with the family, saying, Gale’s here, put on more food! Mr Russell always treated me with love and respect, because he wanted to help anyone going through hardship. He gave me my first job in the sno ball stand! So many treasured memories on Missouri St. All because this man created a home anyone would love to be a part of. His sweet voice will forever stay in my mind and heart.
On behalf of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart Alumni Association and Brother Martin High School, I offer our prayers and condolences. We will say a Mass in his memory.
Father of all, we pray to you for Russell, and for all those whom we love but see no longer. Grant to them eternal rest. Let light perpetual shine upon them. May his soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Kenny Spellman ’84
Brother Martin High School
My deepest condolences, Sue, Lynn, and all of your family. It’s been a long time, but I will never forget working at the snowball stand at Short Stop and making syrups at the house and all of the fun times we shared as young friends. Mr. Russel & Miss June were always welcoming and kind to all of us neighborhood kids, I was as much at home with y’all as with my family. Hugs and prayers to you all. - Patty Chatelain
I never had the opportunity to meet Mr Russell, but I do know 3 of his daughters and some of his grandchildren. I know the family love each other very much. This is a beautiful tribute to the legacy Mr Russell leaves behind. My husband and I will continue praying for peace and unity for the family as the Lord walks with them thru this journey of life. God bless you all!! Cindy and Chris Meilleur
