A.V. Henderson

On December 28, 2015, Reverend Dr. Arvis Vernon Henderson greeted his Savior face to face. A. V. Henderson was born on September 18, 1919, in Anson in Jones County, Texas.He was 96 years old at his passing. He gave his life to the Lord as a very young man and served in the ministry and teaching of God’s word for more than 75 years.He touched the lives of tens of thousands through his faithful preaching and teaching.He traveled the world to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.His counsel on theology and humanity was sought by many. He founded Baptist Bible College East and later was president of Baptist Bible College of Springfield, Missouri. He started his ministry in a little west Texas church with a dirt floor, with an occasional rattle snake slithering up the center aisle.He later pastored the largest Independent Baptist church, with well over ten thousand souls, and pastored many, many other churches around the country.He was equally gifted at counseling inexperienced and experienced pastors, influencing their lives and their ministries.He was a pilot as a young man and flew himself to many ministries and teaching opportunities. He had a pastor’s heart, which drew people to him and caused his churches to flourish.He is loved by thousands.His personal fellowship was delightful, with his attention always on the person he was greeting.He was quick witted and shared many moments of love and laughter with his family and company of many friends.He was a giant of our faith, and his life and ministry will impact future generations. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Aubra Lee Patton Henderson; his mother Clarice Faustine Thornton Henderson and father Charlie Woodson Henderson; and his brothers Virgil Henderson, C. W. Henderson, and James Henderson.He leaves behind his beloved wife, companion, and caregiver, Carolyn Sue Slone Henderson; his beloved son Dr. Arvis Burl Henderson and wife Sally Henderson; his precious granddaughter Michelle Renee Henderson; his stepdaughter LoriBatchelor and husband Barry Batchelor and their sons and daughters-in-law Bret and Rachel Batchelor, and Brandon and Rochelle Batchelor; and a vast host of friends.