In Loving Memory of Stephen John Hendricks

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord... will award to me on that day."— 2 Timothy 4:7-8

With hearts full of both sorrow and hope, we announce that Stephen John Hendricks entered into the presence of his Savior on August 5th, 2026, following a courageous and grace-filled battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive and incurable brain cancer diagnosed in late May. Though his earthly journey came sooner than any of us wished, we find comfort in God's promise that "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8).

Stephen was born on April 9, 1953, to the late Bryan and Jeanette Hendricks and was a proud lifelong resident of Union County, Florida.

As a young man, Stephen married the love of his life, JoAnn, and together they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and hard work. Earlier this year they celebrated 53 years of marriage, creating a legacy of unwavering devotion and partnership. While working nights at AT&T for more than 20 years, Stephen farmed during the day alongside JoAnn in Providence. Together they later established the area's first sod business, serving countless customers through the years. His strong work ethic, determination, and servant's heart earned the respect of everyone who knew him. He continued operating the family business until his retirement a few years ago.

More than anything, Stephen loved the Lord. His relationship with Jesus Christ was the foundation of his life. He faithfully worshiped and served at Lake Butler Church of Christthroughout most of his life and for the past 14 years he became a devoted member of Westside Baptist Church in Gainesville, where he found great joy in the fellowship of believers. He often reminded those around him that God's grace was sufficient, and today his faith has become sight.

Stephen's greatest earthly joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, a proud father, a loving grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife, JoAnn Hendricks; his daughter, Stephanie Christmas (Danny); and his son, Jason Hendricks (Angie).

He was the proud "Papa" to Elizabeth, Seth (Haley), Gage (Halle), Jordan (Kadi), Macy, Evan, and Molly, each of whom brought immeasurable joy to his life. He also leaves behind his treasured great-granddaughters, Harper, Olivia, and looked forward with excitement to welcoming another great-grandchild later this year.

Stephen is also lovingly remembered by his siblings, Linda Johns (Philip) and Joe Hendricks (Debbie), along with countless nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, dear friends, and church family. He was immensely proud of his family heritage and often spoke with gratitude of his grandparents, whose legacy of family continues through the generations.

Those who knew Stephen will remember his large personality, his gift for storytelling, and his ability to strike up a conversation with just about anyone. He never met a stranger and could turn an ordinary moment into a memorable story, often leaving those around him laughing or reflecting on life's lessons. He was exceptionally intelligent, endlessly curious, and possessed an incredible ability to solve problems and understand how things worked.

Stephen was, above all else, a hardworking man. He poured himself into providing for his family and building a life through farming and entrepreneurship. He always aspired to grow his business into something even greater, constantly looking for the next opportunity or idea. While he would probably tell you he never became the businessman he hoped to be, those who loved him knew that his true success could never be measured byaccomplishments. His wealth was found in the family he cherished and the friendships he cultivated.

While we grieve his absence, we do not grieve without hope. As Jesus promised in John 11:25, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die."Stephen placed his trust completely in that promise, and today he is healed, whole, and rejoicing in the presence of his Savior.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Stephen's life and the hope he found in Christ. A time of visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from 4:30-6:00pm at Archer-Milton Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 6:00pm.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to either Haven Hospice https://havenhospice.com/donate or Westside Baptist Church Mission Fund https://www.westsidebaptist.org/westsidefoundation