Published: April 09, 2009 09:50 am      

R.I.P. Cecil Henderson

Hello readers.

I was hesitant about even doing a column this week as it has been a sad time all around and when you have a lot on your mind, it’s hard to think straight. Just today, Doug learned that his Uncle Floyd Rollins, or “Fleuter” as he liked to be called, passed away on Sunday and will be laid to rest on Tuesday in the Richmond Cemetery.

Then, we both had some sad news when we found that my dear friend Cecil Henderson also had passed on. It’s very difficult for me to talk about Cecil without a break in my voice. He was a fine gentleman, if not the finest in all of Paint Lick. Just knowing him and his being my neighbor for more than 30 years was an honor.

We had many laughs and he shared numerous stories about his life and also that of everyone else. Cecil was a great storyteller and I cannot count the times I have sat in his home or on that big porch in front of the house and just listened. He was that good. He loved being the center of your attention and would not have anyone upset or seemingly bored by his actions or words, often telling me, “I better let you go. I know you’re busy in all.” And Lord, the vegetables that he gave me, why, it was amazing, especially the tomatoes. He’d call me and say, “They’ll just be throwed out and I can’t eat em all.” He loved mashed potatoes and peas, cushaw with brown sugar syrup and homemade biscuits and fried apples and I would take him a plate now and then just to find that he’d usually have something waiting for me in return.

I never did feel sorry for a man that could take care of his wife the way Cecil cared for Etta. She was his life. I think I got to know Cecil shortly after Mrs. Henderson passed away and it’s funny, but I can’t recall our first meeting, except to say, I’d see him down at Uncle Tom’s Grocery (now Rick’s Diner) and he’d always have some sort of remark on how high everything was getting to be. Then, Cecil would grin and say “Why, I don’t guess it matters, no way, a body has to eat.”

I’ll never forget the many reviews that he gave me to be edited in The Paint Lick Reflections magazine. He knew everything about everybody and every story became a part of his life. I have been writing this column now for more than 12 years and he always looked forward to my news, often calling me when my column didn’t run for a particular week. The memories that I have of Cecil Henderson will never leave my mind and as I sit here and do this news column for the week, I wonder if he knew how very much I admired him. Paint Lick has lost a fine man and I’ve lost a friend. They don’t make ‘em like him anymore. You’ve often heard that said, I know. But I know, for l was blessed. He was one in a million.

I am also asking for prayers for someone very dear to my heart yet again. My neighbor RenaVae Callahan is very ill. Please keep her in your thoughts as you pray this evening. So this past week has been a hard one for me.

It’s Maundy Thursday at Paint Lick Christian Church this week, starting at 7 p.m. Then, Good Friday services will be conducted at 7 p.m. at Fairview Christian. Everyone is welcome to come and share in the joyous times this Easter weekend. An Easter egg hunt is planned for this Saturday at Paint Lick Christian starting at 3 p.m. On the blessed Sunday morning of Easter, you may find sunrise services at most all churches here in Paint Lick and that will usually start around 7 a.m.

The Paint Lick Christian Church will be enjoying a big Sunday breakfast and everyone is encouraged to come and bring your favorite breakfast item. We will begin cooking at 7:30. Please stay with us during the morning and attend special Easter services at 11 a.m.

May God bless.