Milton James Henderson, 89, of Etowah, North Carolina (previously of Everglades City & Naples, Florida) passed away suddenly on December 20, 2016.
He leaves his wife of 54 years, LuRae, his sons, Thomas and Scott, his daughters, Koni, Debbi, Wendy & Dixie (deceased). He will also be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Neil Jr, Kimberly, Clark, Kamille, Tiffany, Michelle, Amanda, Austin, John, Devin and Taylor… plus his many Great Grandchildren and Great-Great-Grandchildren.
Milt was born in Sioux City, Iowa and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, before joining the Marines in 1944. He fought in WWII and the Korean War. He found he had an aptitude for Tank Training and spent 2 Tours training fellow Marines for combat.
After proudly serving his country, Milt returned to Salt Lake City, UT and began raising his family. Soon an opportunity arose to move to Florida and he purchased the Everglades Supermarket. With his wife, Lu and all of his children helping the Supermarket quickly became a success. Milt was admired as a community leader and donated his time and money helping everyone in our small town.
Milt and Lu sold the supermarket in 1983 and purchased the Chicken Unlimited franchise; building & opening the restaurant in East Naples. After a few years, he semi-retired and kept busy at several Winn-Dixie Markets in Naples (earning many awards along the way!)
In 2005, Milt and Lu finally realized their dream of retiring in Western North Carolina – specifically Etowah.
Milt enjoyed walking his dog and fellow-shipping with all his wonderful neighbors. He really loved it when all of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren would come to visit.
In 2007, Milt had the honor of flying with other local veterans in the very first Honor Air One Tour to Washington DC. The Henderson County Veterans were met with a great amount of fanfare as they toured all the National Memorials.
Milt was a proud American and cherished his family. He not only taught his children & children’s children the value of a good education but also many others whom he touched with his straight-forward philosophies!
We lost a good man and his own words…. “There are so few of them left”!
Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com

Moody-Connolly Funeral Home and Crematory are caring for the family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Milton James Henderson, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.