Timothy Paul Hendrickson, Jr., 78, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, at Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital after an extended illness.

Tim was born in Wilmington, Del., then grew up in Miami, Fla. During his time at Southwest Miami High School, he excelled in academics, as well as football and track & field (discus and shot put), setting a school record with the discus. The highlight of his senior year with the football team was when they played in a championship game at the Miami Orange Bowl stadium. After graduation, he journeyed to Murray, Ky., to attend Murray State University (MSU), where he rose to leadership in ROTC, resulting in his commission as Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army at graduation in May 1968. At MSU, he was invited to join the Scabbard and Blade Honorary Military Society, was a member of Lambda Iota Tau, a national honorary literary fraternity, and performed with the Readers’ Theatre troupe. He also participated in track & field (discus) while at Murray State. After earning his bachelor’s degree, he was stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky., then graduated from Infantry Officer Basic Course in Fort Benning, Ga. He then successfully completed a grueling training course, becoming a U.S. Army Ranger, despite an ankle injury and double pneumonia. In the fall of 1969, he was deployed to the Republic of Vietnam as the Executive Officer for the Delta Company, 58th Infantry unit. He returned to Fort Campbell, subsequently leaving the Army at the rank of Captain. He then attended Murray State once again to earn both his master’s and specialist degrees in Teaching College English.

The next adventure led him to Middle Tennessee when he accepted a position as an English professor with Motlow State Community College at the Moore County campus from 1974 to 1981, during which time he created the college’s first tennis team and served as coach. After leaving his faculty position at Motlow State, he worked for Pan Am World Services, Inc. at Arnold Engineering Development Center as Technical Editor until 1984. This opportunity led him to transition to the Tennessee Army National Guard (TNARNG) in Nashville, as the State Education Officer, to which he commuted from Tullahoma daily for nearly 20 years. One benefit of his daily commute was giving him more time to create his clever, signature puns, of which we were all fond, whether good or bad. He retired in 2001 at the rank of Major. Throughout his time with the TNARNG, he continued to teach for Motlow State as an adjunct professor. His passion for English, literature, and education shone through in each student’s life he enriched along his path.

Tim enjoyed many pastimes including chess, backgammon, golf, tennis, puzzles of all kinds, bird watching & nature hikes, and most of all, wordplay and puns. His legacy of these passions lives on in the family and friends he taught and mentored over many years. One beloved companion that was by his side for as long as possible was his trusty assistant Watson, the West Highland Terrier (Westie) that he rescued and gave a loving home. Tim was predeceased by his parents and his half-sister Janice. He leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of 43 years Betty Pierce Hendrickson of Tullahoma; two daughters Amy Myers (Paul) of Murfreesboro, and Paige Hendrickson of Elizabeth City, NC; one stepson Scott Johnson (Jennifer Odom) of Signal Mountain; and five grandchildren–Emma Johnson (24) of Chattanooga, Luke Johnson (23) of Chattanooga, Christopher Myers (22) of Murfreesboro, Andrew Myers (19) of Murfreesboro, and Faye Johnson (14) of Signal Mountain.

Visitation will be from noon to 1:45 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19 at Kilgore Funeral Home with the service beginning at 2 p.m., and the graveside service will be at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to SPCA of Tennessee, P.O. Box 1014, Brentwood, TN 37024-1014.

Kilgore Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Tullahoma News – Dec. 18, 2024