William “Bill” Reed Henderson was born November 9, 1944 in Enid, Oklahoma, and passed away August 3, 2026, at the age of 81.
Bill was a gentle giant whose kindness, warm heart, and friendly nature touched everyone he met. He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with a rock. He found joy in visiting with family and friends, fishing, hunting, gardening, and wine making. A talented woodturner and homebuilder, Bill took pride in creating beautiful and lasting things with his hands, always sharing his skills and generosity with those around him.
He attended Stephen F. Austin State University on a football scholarship, playing defensive tackle for the Lumberjacks. He and old friends were mentioned in the September 1965 edition of Sports Illustrated.
For 30 years, Bill worked as a Sheetmetal Journeyman Welder with Local #196, earning the respect of his coworkers through his dedication, craftsmanship, and strong work ethic. More than anything, Bill will be remembered for the way he treated people, with compassion, and genuine care. He shared his knowledge with everyone. His legacy of kindness, hard work, and love will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Phyllis Henderson; children, Joseph Reed Henderson and Charlotte Marie Archer (Chris); grandchildren, William Gage Archer (Savannah), and Brandon Justus Archer; great grandchildren, Jacqueline Archer, Joseph Archer, and Josephine Archer; siblings, Linda Fischer Tibbitts and Tommy Glen Fischer (Gayle); very loved numerous extended family, nieces, and nephews; and all the littles that knew him as Uncle Bill, whom he loved and enjoyed.
He is preceded in death by his 3 angel babies; father, William Reed Henderson, Jr.; mother, Norma Lea Fischer; father who raised him, Glen Carl Fischer; daughter-in-law, Deborah Lee Henderson; and brothers-in-law, Leslie Holt, Toby Sonnier, and Larry Borque.
Celebration of life will be held by the family to be announced at a later date. Cremation was entrusted to Dorman – Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home.
Social Media