Steven Wilbourn Henderson

Steve Wilbourn Henderson, graphic artist and recognized martial arts instructor, passed away on Saturday, July 10, 2010 in Cleveland after a long struggle with cancer. He was the second son of Joseph Samuel Henderson, Jr., M.D. and Minerva Peters Henderson of Maryville. Steve grew up in Alcoa. After graduating from Alcoa High School he joined the United States Army, becoming an Airborne Ranger. Steve then attended Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota, FL graduating with honors in 1983. He worked in Cleveland in photographic and graphic design. He was an accomplished artist, especially in water color. Steve was actively involved in several areas of physical fitness. From an early age he studied Martial Arts with unusual dedication, training daily. He studied numerous forms of Martial Arts earning Black Belts in both Okinawan Shuri-Te Karate, Third Degree and Japanese Shintoyoshin Jiu-Jitsu, Sixth Degree. He earned numerous awards and taught Federal and Local Law Enforcement Officers in the Martial Arts. He was inducted into the Jiu-Jitsu Hall of Fame. Steve was also a skilled Powerlifter, winning Regional, State and National titles. He was a certified National Powerlifting Referee. Steve was an avid hiker, climber and photographer. Steve loved animals, especially cats and was known for feeding the local strays. Steve had a rare comic talent. His delivery was so entertaining that it was a pleasure to hear him tell the same joke again. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Samuel Henderson, Jr., MD; and grandparents, Joseph Samuel Henderson and Grace Elizabeth Allen. He is survived by his mother, Minerva Peters Henderson of Maryville; sister, Catherine H. Crawford and husband, Roy Crawford, Jr., of Maryville, her son, Matthew Jamison and his wife, Bronwyn and their son, Val, all of Virginia; two brothers, Joseph Samuel Henderson III and wife, Tina of Maryville and Daniel T. Henderson and wife, Rebecca and their son, Ethan of Venetia, PA; aunts, Barbara Henderson Wisecarver and her husband, John and their sons, David, Howard and Drew Wisecarver and Margaret Henderson Welchance and her children, Debbie Clark and husband, David and their daughter, Brooke and Rick Philpot, all of Maryville; and many members of the extended family. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at Monte Vista Baptist Church, 1735 Old Niles Ferry Road, Maryville, TN 37803 with the Reverend Jerry Mantooth officiating. His family will receive friends after the service. The family suggests that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society, 6221 Shallowford Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421 in Steve’s memory. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Henderson family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com. Ralph Buckner Funeral Home and Crematory was in charge of local arrangements.