Mr. Willie Louis Hendricks Jr.

Willie Louis Hendricks, Jr., affectionately known as Billy and Papa, age 59, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on March 13, 2024, in Shelbyville, TN. He was born on September 4, 1964, in Saginaw, Michigan to the late Willie Hendricks, Sr. and Audrey Hendricks Jones. Willie was a proud graduate of Saginaw High School and a dedicated Army veteran, serving for 9 years. While in the Army, he was honored with a Good Conduct Medal and Army Service Ribbon. Willie was a proud soldier who exemplified loyalty and service to his country. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1992. After leaving the Army, Willie entered the restaurant industry. In July of 1998, Willie married the love of his life, Darlene. The pair would go on to raise four children together. In 2007, they made the move to Tennessee. Willie was known for his strong work ethic and unwavering commitment and devotion to his family. Willie was a selfless, simple man who always found joy in the “small” things. He loved tending to the yard and working on cars. He was deeply sentimental and kept various mementos over the course of his life. He was extremely dependable and enjoyed serving others, watching football, listening to music, and supporting his children at their sporting events and other important endeavors. He was a present and encouraging father. Willie was also a beloved "papa" to his grandchildren. Perhaps, the role he found the most joy in during the latter years of his life. Being a papa brought out the softer side of him. We will all ensure his memory is forever cherished and never forgotten by his beautiful grandchildren who only experienced him in the flesh for a short while. Willie had a unique personality - with a playful sense of humor, a healthy love of solitude, and a deep intellect. He was punctual, considerate, and always willing to help others. Willie was dearly loved and valued by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Willie will be lovingly remembered by his beloved wife of 25 years, Darlene; his children, Kendall, DeQuavious (Raven), Janita, and Montel; his grandchildren, Dequavious Jr., Riyan, Rayleign, and Kayomi; his sisters, Regina (Al) Crudup, Yvonne Jones, Renita Hendricks and Janita Bond; his mother-in-law, Queen (Prentice) Foster; his sisters-in-law, Barbara (Charles) Howard, Teresa (Earl) Webb, Beverly Foster and Brenda Trapp, and a host of loving nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Willie was preceded in death by one sister Anessa Hendricks; stepfather Herman Jones; and father-in-law Prentice Foster. Willie will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of service, dedication, and love for his family will forever be immortalized. A Celebration of Life Service will be 12 PM, Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Feldhaus Memorial Chapel. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to service Saturday at the funeral home. Feldhaus Memorial Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Mr. Willie Louis Hendricks Jr.

September 4, 1964 - March 13, 2024