Norvell Henderson

MSG Norvell Henderson, U.S. Army (Ret.), age 89, of Hope Mills, passed away Tuesday, September 29, 2026, surrounded by family at the VA Medical Center in Durham.

Born in Duplin County, “Tink” was the son of the late Norman and Louisa Dail Henderson. He is also preceded in death by his son, David Henderson; brothers, Norman Henderson, Marion Henderson, and Harvey Henderson; sisters, Brunnie Swinson, Delores Parker, and Etheleen Pierce; and son-in-law, John Church.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Hilda Henderson; son, Norvell “Buddy” Henderson, Jr. and wife Mihaela, and daughter Connie Church, all of Grays Creek; granddaughters, Kristina Kinlaw and husband Aaron, Ariel Neasbitt and husband Craig; grandsons, Ryan Church, Timothy Davis, Braxton and Caleb Henderson; great grandchildren, Kobe Kinlaw, Aiden Neasbitt, Maddox, and Cameron Kinlaw, Olivia Henry, Chloe Henderson, Paige Henderson, Liam Neasbitt, Caysen Henderson, Aydan Church and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Norvell proudly served his country in the United States Army for more than 20 years. Throughout his distinguished military career, he earned numerous medals, decorations, and badges in recognition of his dedication, courage, and honorable service. He was especially proud of earning the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) and the Purple Heart. The CIB represented his service as an infantryman in combat, while the Purple Heart honored the sacrifice he made when he was wounded in service to his country. His many other awards and decorations included the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service, Army Commendation with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service, Army of Occupation, Vietnam Service, Republic of Vietnam Campaign, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Good Conduct (5 Knots), and the M-14 Expert Qualification Badge. His military service remained a source of great pride throughout his life. He will be remembered not only for his years of dedicated service and the honors he received, but also for the courage, sacrifice, and devotion to his country that defined his military career.

After retiring, Norvell and Hilda enjoyed many years of traveling in their RV from Alaska to Wyoming. In recent years, he enjoyed spending time with his family and going on cruises. He lived a life filled with love, service, and devotion. He was a dedicated husband to Hilda, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who cherished his family deeply. His strong sense of faith was a significant aspect of his life. He was an active member of the Hope Mills Pentecostal Church. One of the most remarkable aspects of Norvell’s life was his dedication to giving back to his community. His annual Easter tradition of making homemade chocolate eggs to raise money for the Young at Heart Seniors at his church showcases his generosity and willingness to help others.

Norvell’s remarkable life is marked by numerous acts of kindness, which demonstrate his love for God, family, and country. His and Hilda’s ability to be present at any time, whether day or night, highlights their commitment to being there for others during their times of need. His selfless nature has undoubtedly had a profound impact on those around him. He will be missed by all who loved and knew him.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Pinecrest Funeral & Cremation Services in Hope Mills. A funeral service will be held at 12 noon, Friday, October 2, 2026, at Hope Mills Pentecostal Holiness Church. He will be entombed in the Cumberland Memorial Gardens Mausoleum with full military honors rendered by Fort Bragg Funeral Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. You may donate online at: www.stjude.org or mail a check or money order to: ALSAC / St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105