Charles Davis Henderson

Charles Davis Henderson, 89, passed away peacefully, lovingly encircled by his devoted wife, daughter and granddaughter on Monday, December 9th, in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Charles was born in 1935 to parents Hubert and Mary Helen Henderson in Franklin, IN. He was the youngest of their three children and their only son. In 1940, the family relocated to Florida, settling in Miami Shores. Charlie attended Miami Shores Elementary School, William Jennings Bryan Junior High, Horace Mann Junior High and graduated from Miami Edison Senior High School. After graduation, Charlie went on to attend the University of Florida where he earned a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering with Honors. During his time at UF, Charlie was also active in the Army Reserves, completing his six-year commitment, in 1964. After graduating from University of Florida, Charlie returned to Miami Shores accepting a position with FPL, where he devoted his entire 35-year career. As Charlie’s career advanced, his efforts focused on lessening the environmental impact of the power plants as the Manager and Staff Engineer in the Environmental Affairs Department. Not long after returning to Miami Shores, in 1960 Charlie met Gayle Peters at the Miami Shores Presbyterian Church. On February 4, 1961, they were married in their hometown of Miami Shores. Their 17-year marriage happily brought them their two boys, Scott Davis and Kenneth Vaught Henderson. In 1978 the two divorced and in 1982, Charlie relocated with FPL to Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Palm Beach Gardens remained home to Charlie for the remainder of his life. In 1988, a new chapter began in his life when he met Ximena Becerra. Ximena opened up the world for Charlie with family visits and traveling through the states, Europe and to Colombia to meet extended family. Charlie was embraced by Ximena’s family and he, in turn, enjoyed each of their successes and milestones including marriages, graduations and the birth of grandchildren. For Charlie, Ximena embodied their song “You Decorated My Life.” Charlie’s hard work allowed him to achieve success in his career with FPL and after retiring, he and Ximena were able to spend more time together. They continued to share their love of good food, trying new restaurants as well as their favorite spots. Retirement also afforded him the time to continue to enjoy his lifelong love for fishing. Charlie very much looked forward to his yearly fishing trips to Chokoloskee Bay with his boys and his friends. Chokoloskee Bay held special meaning for Charlie because it was where he created many priceless memories with both of his boys, Scott and Kenny. In addition to being a lifelong fisherman, Charlie played basketball in middle school and high school and he was a die-hard sports aficionado! He was a huge fan of the Miami Heat and the Florida Gators and supported his Miami football and baseball teams, the Miami Dolphins and the Florida Marlins. Their mutual love of sports allowed Charlie to stay connected to his sons, long-distance, when they couldn’t watch together. He made it a point to get in touch so they could ‘re-hash’ the latest game. Another passion Charlie shared with his sons was their love for growing orchids- another way to stay connected even when they were not close by. Connection to his family was a priority for Charlie and he spoke with his much-loved sister, Ki, every day and visited her in Minnesota several times. They enjoyed one special visit in particular, embarking on a ‘familial historical tour’ together where they journeyed through their family heritage, visiting cemeteries and homes of relatives. Love of family was a thread woven throughout Charlie’s life- he was a generous, caring, giving soul who was a Guardian Angel to those he loved in life and he will continue to watch over us all from Heaven. We will always remember Charlie with a warm smile and he will always be ‘our angel.’ Charlie was pre-deceased by his parents, Hubert and Mary Hellen Henderson; his sisters, Elizabeth “Libby” Walker and Carolyn “Ki” Freese; his son, Scott Davis; his daughter-in-law, Christine Sarmiento; his niece, Ellen Wollan and his nephews, Andrew Freese and John Freese. He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Ximena; his son, Kenneth; his stepdaughter, Claudia Sarmiento (Albert Rodriguez); his step-sons, Guillermo A. Sarmiento and Sergio Sarmiento (Idalia Gonzalez); his grandchildren, Sofia A. Rodriguez, Mateo A. Sarmiento; his niece, Allyson Barth; and his nephews, Ted Freese, Jeffrey Hale, Marshall Hale and Bryan Hale, as well as, extended family and friends. A Visitation will be held at Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home in Jupiter, FL on Saturday, December 14th, from 1:30pm-4:00pm. The Funeral Service will begin at 3:00pm and will be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend the service. Please use the livestream link below to view the service. https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTczNDAzODk1MzM0MTA2OCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw== Please copy and paste the entire link into your browser 5-10 minutes before the service is scheduled to begin as it will be active at 2:50pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests considering a donation in Charlie’s Memory to the Open Arms Foundation in South Africa (https://openarmshome.com/donate-today/) or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (https://dogood.t2t.org/give/320847/).

Charles Davis Henderson

November 23, 1935 - December 9, 2024