Ricky Henderson

Ricky Henderson was born on November 3, 1952, to the late Anderson Henderson and Essie Jewel Ball in Rison, Arkansas. He was also preceded in love and legacy by his extended parents, the late Deltho Lee O’Neal, Sr. and Daisy Lee O’Neal of Stuttgart, Arkansas. At an early age, Ricky professed his hope in Christ and united with Union Grove Baptist Church.

Ricky learned the value of hard work early in life while working on his family’s farm. He attended Rison High School, where he excelled academically and in football. Knowing he wanted to serve his country, he entered the United States Air Force as soon as he was eligible. After 20 years of honorable service, he retired with distinction.

During his military career, Ricky received numerous awards, including the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Overseas Short and Long Tour Service Award Ribbons, NCO PME Education Graduate Ribbon, and Training Ribbon. He was also a Vietnam War veteran.

Following his retirement from the Air Force, Ricky continued his education at Alexandria Regional Technical Institute, earning a degree as an Outdoor Power Equipment Technician. He later managed AutoZone for several years.

Ricky was united in Holy Matrimony to Betty J. Warner on November 4, 1972. Their union lasted 46 blessed years, and to this marriage two children were born: Mark Jerome Henderson and Dr. Norishea Henderson Belvin.

Ricky loved traveling, especially driving throughout Arkansas to New Edinburg, Rison, and Pine Bluff to visit family and friends. He found joy and relaxation in detailing his car and preparing for trips. Though much of his life was spent in cities, he remained a small-town country boy at heart who never forgot where he came from.

He cherished time with his grandchildren—taking them to the store, attending Grandparents’ Day at school, watching their sporting events, and simply enjoying their presence. Ricky never met a stranger. His light filled every room, and he always seemed to know just what to say. When silence was needed, he understood that too.

Ricky loved music of all kinds—young and old—and especially treasured listening to his wife read Psalm 23, even when she thought he wasn’t listening. He attended Church of God in Alexandria, Louisiana.

After the passing of his wife in 2018, Ricky moved to Shreveport, Louisiana, to begin a new chapter in life and to be closer to his daughter. With love and support, he continued to be a devoted father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Though his health declined during this time, his perseverance and joy for life never faded, and he refused to let illness rob him of precious moments with family and friends.

Ricky’s magnetic personality drew people to him. Everyone was a friend, and he treated all with kindness and respect, regardless of where they came from or where they were in life. He had a big heart, a thoughtful spirit, and an infectious love for living. He believed in letting God guide him—to be smart, to be kind, and to live boldly.

Ricky leaves behind an everlasting image of confidence, humility, strength, perseverance, and charm that will forever live in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Ricky Henderson passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents; his extended parents; his beloved wife, Betty J. Henderson of New Edinburg, Arkansas; his sister, Satira Henderson Williams of McKinney, Texas; his extended sister, Robbie O’Neal of Stuttgart, Arkansas; and his brother, Barry Swagg of Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

Ricky leaves behind indelible imprints on the hearts and minds of all who knew him—those who learned from him, were inspired by him, and witnessed his continued joy for life through time spent with family and friends.

A lifetime of love, laughter, and cherished memories remains through his children: Mark (Charlene) Henderson of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Dr. Norishea (Daryell) Belvin of Shreveport, Louisiana. He also leaves to cherish his memory his four grandchildren: Brooklyn Henderson, Dariah Belvin, Langston Belvin, and Marco Henderson; and his great-grandchild, Koa Henderson.

Ricky is further survived by his siblings: Joanne (Louis) Martin of Princeton, Texas; Carnie (Nathaniel) Campbell of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; Stanley Henderson of Mesquite, Texas; Leslie (Anne) Paul of Mystic, Connecticut; and Larry James McLeod of McKinney, Texas.

He also leaves a host of extended siblings, including Sister Alisa O’Neal of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; Brother Kirk Hughes of Stuttgart, Arkansas; and Christopher Phillips of Little Rock, Arkansas; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Submitted by the Henderson Family