Reverend William O. "Bill" Henson

The Reverend William O. (Bill) Henson, 100, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on May 16, 2025, just forty-six days before turning 101. Bill joyfully met Jesus, whom he dedicated his life to serving. He was born in Henson Cove in Canton, North Carolina, on July 1, 1924. Bill was the son of the late Ogden and Mae Burr Reed Henson.

In 1942, Bill eagerly joined the U.S. Army to proudly serve his country. He served as a medic in the South Pacific from 1942 to 1946. After World War II ended, Bill returned to his family in Haywood County.

Bill married Wayna Mae Crisp, on April 6, 1947, and they built a wonderful life together. They had three sons, who blessed them with two granddaughters and two great-grandchildren.

Bill served as a dedicated pastor at several Haywood County Churches. He had the honor of marrying and baptizing several family members. Bill retired from pastoring in his early eighties. Upon his passing, he was a member of West Canton Baptist Church.

Bill worked at Champion International for nearly 40 years.

Bill loved going to Lake Chatuge with his family, fishing, camping with friends, and mowing his yard. He also loved apple pie and ice cream. Most of all, he loved the Lord, and his advice to all was to "Always look to the Lord for your self-keeping."

Bill is survived by his sons, Wayne Henson (Robin) and Steve Henson; granddaughters Candie Sellers (Poss), Shannon Lanning (Brek); and great-grandchildren Morgan and Mason Putnam.

He is reunited in Heaven with his wife, Wayna Mae, and their son, Dana Henson, and several other family members and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in the Chapel of Wells Funeral Home of Canton, NC, with Pastor Chris Willett officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service, starting at 12:30 p.m.

The burial will be at Crawford Ray Memorial Gardens, with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 1204, Canton. NC 28716.

The care of Reverend William O. "Bill" Henson has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Canton.