Billie Ray Henderson (Lansing)

Mr. Billie Ray Henderson entered into eternal rest on February 11, 2021, at Sparrow Health System in Lansing, Michigan. Age 78 years. He was born August 30, 1942, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, to the union of Ivory and Lorene Henderson; and was the second oldest of four children.

His family moved to Oakland, California, where Billie grew up. He attended high school in Venice, California where he excelled in baseball, basketball, and track. Billie was a stellar athlete, an MVP who won multiple awards. He graduated from Santa Monica College and was later drafted by the Los Angeles Angels professional baseball team. A severe injury would end his career, but his love of sports was never ending. Billie was quite the sports enthusiast, eventually taking up bowling, and becoming an avid golfer.

Billie gave his life to Christ at an early age. After he relocated to Lansing, Michigan he became a member of Pentecostal Church of God in Christ under the pastorship of the late Elder Larry M. Trice, Sr. Billie was an active member who served in many capacities including men’s fellowship and choir. He and his wife later became members of Lansing Church of God and Christ, under the leadership of Bishop Samuel Duncan. Billie was employed by Board of Water & Light and the General Motors, from which he would retire.

Billie met, fell in love with, and in 1979, married his best friend, Nora Maye Turrentine. This marriage was filled with lots of joy, happiness, laughter, excitement, and unconditional love that was everlasting. With this union, favored in love, and truly blessed by the Lord, together they had 4 children and were foster parents to over 43 children.

Billie leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 41 years, Nora Maye; children, Kevin (Kim) Henderson of Atlanta, Georgia, Trudy Henderson of Kalene, Texas, Billy Ray (Stacey) Henderson, Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia, and Norris Webster of Atlanta, Texas; 10 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; 2 brothers, Henry Helms of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and Clyde (Pat) Henderson of Visalia, California; sister, Erma Andrews of Visalia, California; sister-in-law, Ora (Marshall) Sharpe of San Diego, California; brother-in-law, Hardie Turrentine of San Diego; special nephew, Carl Newton; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives including 4 goddaughters; 13 godchildren and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ivory and Lorene Henderson, many aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends.

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