UNION — Union City Council member and Mayor Pro-Tem Keith Henderson is being remembered by those with whom he worked.
Keith “Fat Back” Henderson passed away at his home on Sunday at the age of 55.
Those who worked closely with Henderson said he will be missed by them, but he will be missed by the entire City of Union for his dedication to its well being.
Mayor Harold Thompson said when he got the news of Henderson’s passing Sunday night, he was in shock and hoped he had received wrong information.
“He loved the City of Union — I know that — and he loved what he did,” Thompson said.
Thompson said as a member of city council, Henderson often used the experience he gained as the third-generation owner and operator of Henderson Plumbing to make informed decisions for the city. Henderson was currently serving his third term on the Union City Council.
“He’s a plumbing contractor, so he offered a lot of insight on sewer projects and what that work consisted of,” Thompson said. “He had inside information and knew things like what particular equipment projects would take.”
Thompson said Henderson’s decisions centered around how they would affect the business community, and he often met with Thompson on Sundays to go over details of various council items to be sure he understood them.
Thompson also discussed Henderson’s role as Mayor Pro Tem.
“He’s going to be missed on council because he was elected as Mayor Pro Tem,” Thompson said. “Council members felt confident that if something happened to me, he was the next person to step up.”
Thompson said he admired Henderson’s positivity.
“He was just an all-around good guy and always very positive,” Thompson said. “I never saw him come out and say a flat ‘no’ on an issue. Even if the answer was ‘no,’ he got all the intricate details to make sure he was making the right decision.”
Now, Thompson said council is going to have to do what he believes Henderson would want — keep the city moving forward and making it grow.
A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday at Union Memorial Gardens conducted by the Rev. Randy Burgess. Employees of Henderson Plumbing and Henderson’s fishing buddies will serve as the honorary escort. Visitation will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. tonight at the SR Holcombe Funeral Home.
Staff Writer Derik Vanderford can be reached at 864-427-1234, ext. 29, or by email at dvanderford@civitasmedia.com.
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