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Portrait of John Clay Henderson
In loving memory

John Clay Henderson

September 21, 1970 – May 25, 2023
Lived 52 years
Oaknoll Memorial Gardens · Rome, Georgia
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Life story

John Clay Henderson, age 52, of Rome, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 25, 2023, after a strong and courageous battle with cancer.

Clay was born in Athens, GA on September 21, 1970, son of John and Janice McCain Henderson. He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Franklin Henderson.

Survivors include his beloved wife: Kelly L. Kemp Henderson, their children, Justin, Jacob, and Jenna; his parents, John and Janice Henderson; one brother, Clint Henderson (Meredith), his in-laws, Steve and Ellen Kemp; brothers-in-law, Brian Kemp (Brandi) and Brent Kemp; aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was the founder of Clay Henderson Plumbing and a well-respected member of the community. Clay was a devoted father and loving husband above all. He spent his time coaching and supporting his children in all of their sporting events. Finding a passion for wrestling when he was a member of the Armuchee High School Wrestling Team of the Decade where he served as a captain, Clay found ways to share his love of the sport through coaching and cheering on wrestlers from all over in gyms throughout the United States. He also loved his beagles, beagle clubs, and the sport of rabbit hunting.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at 1:00 pm in the Chapel at Henderson and Sons Funeral Home, North Chapel, with the Pastor Chris Hayes and Mr. Steve Murdock officiating. Interment will follow in Oaknoll Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends at Henderson and Sons Funeral Home, North Chapel, on Tuesday evening from 6:00-8:00 pm. At other hours, they may be contacted at the residence.

Pallbearers are requested to assemble at Henderson and Sons Funeral Home, North Chapel on Wednesday at 12:30 and include Clint Henderson, Cael Henderson, Brian Kemp, Brent Kemp, Carson Kemp, Shane Brock, Clint Thacker, and Tommy Yarbrough.

Flowers will be accepted, or donations can be made to Homewood Church of Christ, Birmingham, Alabama that provided housing to the family during Clay's time spent in Birmingham receiving treatment.

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Lifetime

The world John knew

Family milestones in gold, history for context

1970
Born September 21
1976
John was 6 when America celebrated its Bicentennial
1977
John was 7 when Star Wars opened in theaters
1982
John was 12 when "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" opened in theaters
1995
John was 25 when "Toy Story" became the first fully computer-animated film
1998
John was 28 when "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" was published in America
2001
John was 31 when Apple introduced the iPod
2023
Passed away May 25, age 52
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Rome, Georgia
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