Johnny Lee Henderson

Johnny Lee Henderson Johnny Lee Henderson passed away quietly at his home in Nowata, Oklahoma on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Johnny was born February 2, 1957, in Brownfield, Texas to J.W. and Inez (Smith) Henderson in Brownfield, Texas. He spent his childhood in Tatum, New Mexico, Rush Springs, Oklahoma, El Centro, California, and Nashville, Arkansas. Eventually, he made it to Austin, Texas where he met the love of his life, Peggy Leath. They married on November 30, 1985 in Austin. Johnny and Peggy had two beautiful daughters, Amanda and Alicia. In addition to Austin, Johnny moved his family to El Centro, California, Nashville, Arkansas, Las Vegas, Nevada, and finally to Nowata, Oklahoma. Johnny worked in the logging, oil, HVAC, sheet metal, and trucking industries during his lifetime. He helped his family and friends with his talents as a mechanic, plumber, electrician, and carpenter. He enjoyed the outdoor life, target shooting and guns, and was an activist for cannabis. When his health and eyesight began to fail him, he spent many hours on his front porch visiting with friends and waving to all who passed by. Johnny especially appreciated the camaraderie and cigars at Platinum Cigars. He was a terrific storyteller. Johnny often would tell stories of his youth, escapades with friends, and numerous stories revolving around his nieces and nephews. One of his favorite things to do was to trick some unsuspecting child into pulling his beard and popping his false teeth out. Among the famous Johnny quotes to live by are “If it’s not yours, leave it alone,” “Walk on the right,” and “Without love there is nothing.” He was just the best husband, Dad, Granddad, brother, Uncle Johnny, and friend. Johnny had a bold belief in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. During his illness, Johnny lived his faith. Never one to complain about his suffering, but instead he praised the Lord for his Savior and was quick to find joy in each day. He placed his trust in God’s sovereignty. Johnny found great comfort in Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but pray about everything.” He once told his great nephew, “We can’t talk about heaven and how wonderful of a place it will be, and then be sad when we go there.” Johnny is survived by his wife, Peggy Leath Henderson; daughters, Amanda Carter and Randall, and Alicia Henderson of Nowata; son, Dwayne Holland and Katina of Childers; sisters, Sue Daniels of Round Rock, Texas, and Betty Wells of Georgetown, Texas; brother, Bill Harberson and Susan of Yuma, Arizona; sister-in-law, Dianne Sharp of Nashville, Arkansas; brother-in-law, Jack Leath and Sylvia of Waco, Texas. Grandchildren Matthew Holland (and Amanda), Davon Carter, Veralynn Carter, Avery Carter, and Olivia Carter also survive him. Also surviving are two great grandchildren, Walker Holland and Katelyn Holland. In addition, he is survived by many generations of beloved nieces and nephews all of whom have their own Uncle Johnny stories. Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, sisters June Miller and Peggy Rowe, brother Edward Leroy Sharp, brother-in-law Gary Daniels, parents-in-law Wilson and Alice Leath, and nieces Jessica Craft and Rita Hitt-Carpenter. Johnny’s family is especially grateful for the loving care provided by Sarah O’Brien, Amanda Smith, Annie Whinery, Andy Plunk, Leslie Reed, and the rest of the A-Vow Hospice team. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 1:00 pm at H.I.S. Life Church in Nowata, Oklahoma.

Johnny Lee Henderson

February 2, 1957 - May 9, 2023