William Francis Hendrix's Obituary
William Francis Hendrix, Ed. D. Born in Abilene, Texas, on April 20, 1921, William F. Hendrix "Bill" was the oldest of four children and died on January 11, 2012. Bill was raised in the Phoenix area, the Vekol Valley, and graduated from Casa Grande Union high school. He entered college at Arizona State College (ASU) and was enjoying studies and playing college football as World War II started. Bill enlisted in the Army, served in the Pacific theater during World War II and was honorably discharged. After working in construction he moved to Texas and attended Baylor University. He returned to ASC and graduated, earning a Bachelors degree. After graduation Bill worked at the U.S Soil Conservation Service and met and married the love of his life, Vange Poetter. He enrolled at the University of Arizona, in Tucson, earning another Bachelors degree in 1950, a Masters in 1956 and in 1966 an Ed. D. in educational administration. He was employed by Amphitheater School District in 1950 with the goal of starting a vocational agriculture department. During his tenure of 13 years, as a teacher, his vocational agriculture department and the Amphitheater Chapter of Future Farmers of America was awarded the national gold emblem chapter for 12 consecutive years. This honor is awarded to the top 1% of the nation's FFA chapters annually. He was proud recipient of the Honorary Chapter, State and American Farmer awards. He was chosen principal of Amphitheater High School in 1963 and held that position for 13 years. During those years he was chosen as one of the nation's top 25 high school principals. He had a passion for making opportunities for young people. He believed an innovative and comprehensive high school, able to give each student an employable skill, would be of benefit to both the students and community. Ten years before his retirement, he became Associate Superintendent of Amphitheater School District. Bill had life-long interests of family, agriculture, sports; especially UofA basketball, fitness and painting while always being faithful to God, wife and family. He was kind and generous and had a genuine care and love of people. A quick trip to the store would often turn into hours in length, as he stopped and talked to people he knew. Graduates from Amphitheater were "his" students and a friend forever. Bill had a smile for everyone, an unwavering faith in God and desired for everyone to experience success. Bill was active in the community and held leadership roles in his professional organizations, Saguaro Rotary Club, Presbyterian Church (elder) and Presbytery de Cristo among others. He was Secretary and President of Saguaro Rotary and Secretary of Arizona's Democratic Party. Survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Evangeline "Vange" (Poetter) Hendrix and his five children, Rebecca "Becky" (Hendrix) Wilson (Mark); William F. "Frank" Hendrix III (Kathi); Mark L. Hendrix (Shayne); Ann (Hendrix) Bertrand (Ed); and Bradley K. Hendrix (Leah); seven grandchildren, Heather (Hendrix) Gamache (Andy); William F. "Bif" Hendrix IV (Amanda); Alissa (Wilson) Ramage; Mark S. "Skip" Wilson (Christina); Serena Hendrix: Mark Richard Hendrix; and Jillian Hendrix; and six great-grandchildren, R. J. Ramage, Carson William Ramage, Genavieve Gamache, Addyson Gamache, Hannah Hendrix and Olivia Wilson , as well as his stepsister Marian Abbott (Bud) and several nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Eunice (Chaney) Hendrix as well as his sisters, Vera Jo (Hendrix) Heinlen, Julia Maye (Hendrix) Sherman and Betty Jean (Hendrix) Easley. Bill Hendrix was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. Dr. Bill Hendrix leaves a legacy of love of family, faith and community. William F. Hendrix was a man of kindness. Bills memorial service will be held Saturday January 28, 2012 at 1:00 pm at Northminster Presbyterian Church 2450 East Fort Lowell Road; Tucson, 85719. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial donation to Northminster Presbyterian Church or Youth On-Their-Own, 1443 West Prince Road; Tucson 85705.
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