Vernon Hendricks

With heavy but thankful hearts, the family of Vernon McQueen Hendricks announces his passing on July 21, 2025, at the age of 89. He was born on December 6, 1935, in Lake Butler, Florida, to Butler and Ollie Hendricks. His twin, Herman, and Vernon were the 10th and 11th of 12 children, and grew up on the family farm, a farm that remains in the family to this day. Vernon’s parents left a legacy of love and family that is rare, and he and his siblings have carried that legacy forward It gave him great happiness to know that just as his children had grown up with cousins as best friends, his grandchildren were doing the same.

Vernon is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Marie (Elijah) Brooks, John (Eloise and Strick), Evelyn (Edison) Paulk, James (Adolyen), Drew (Josie), Bryan (Jeannette), Joe (Elaine), Harold (Martha), David (Ann), and Herman (Pam). He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Janet, his children, David (Megan) Hendricks, Donna (Greg) Edwards, and Thomas (Jennifer) Hendricks, his adored grandchildren, Eli, Kaylie, Grace, Eden, and Emmeline, his youngest brother, Donald (Lois), his treasured nieces and nephews, all of which he called his “favorites”, and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Vernon graduated from the University of Florida with Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science in Biology, and Following the completion of his master’s degree, he traveled to Europe and began his teaching career at a US military base in Verdun, France. He spent two years in Europe taking the opportunity to travel as much as possible and visiting every country on the continent. Upon his return to the United States, he continued his teaching career at high schools in Lake City and Rockledge, Florida. He later became a Professor of Botany and Biology at Brevard Community College (now known as Eastern Florida State College), in Cocoa, Florida. After more than 25 years there, he and Janet retired to Gainesville, Florida in 1995.

While teaching in Rockledge, Vernon received a National Science Foundation grant to participate in a summer science program at Rutgers University, where he met his wife, Janet Proulx. They married on June 26, 1965, in Connecticut, at the home of Janet’s aunt and uncle; over the years, they welcomed the arrival of David, Donna, and Tom. In June of this year, they celebrated 60 devoted years together. Although, as their household expanded, Janet devoted herself to raising their children, Vernon viewed her as an equal partner, treating her with appreciation and respect. Their home was one known for its hospitality and warmth, filled with laughter and fellowship. Vernon, having been one of the first in his family to graduate from college, believed strongly in the value of education, and was proud to support each of the children in obtaining their degrees. However, he was proudest that David, Donna, and Tom were happily married, with loving homes of their own—what he considered to be their greatest accomplishment. His grandchildren, Eli, Kaylie, Grace, Eden, and Emmeline (better known as Emma), were the great joy of his life, and it was hard to convince them that he was a strict father, because at Granddaddy’s house, you didn’t have to finish a meal to have ice cream, you could make as big a mess as you wanted, and it was always playtime!

Vernon’s life was defined by his faith, and he devoted many years of service to the church, serving as a deacon at the Central Church of Christ in Cocoa, Florida, as a deacon and an elder at the Rockledge Church of Christ, in Rockledge, Florida and as an elder at the University City Church of Christ, in Gainesville, Florida. He instilled that faith in his children by living a life that exemplified humility and integrity. The saying that “you can’t go home again” has not been true for his children. They have turned to him throughout their adult lives to help them make important decisions, guide them through the challenges of jobs and relationships, and as a source of constant strength and encouragement. Though his frugality was the stuff of family legend, he gave generously of his time and financial resources to those in need, no matter who they were. They have lost count of how many people have reached out over the years to tell them about the impact their dad had on their lives, whether as a teacher, a friend, a mentor, or just a kind man who bought them a meal, paid their bills, or held their hand and prayed with them in a time of need.

In a world where many are relentlessly focused on the pursuit of money and status, Vernon was a humble and unassuming man, committed to loving and serving others. For him wealth was found in servanthood to Christ, the love of family, fellowship with friends, and spending time in nature—especially growing and nurturing a garden. By these measures, he left this world the richest man on earth. For his family, Vernon’s absence leaves a hole in their hearts that will not be filled until they are reunited with him in Heaven.

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 2, 2025, at the University City Church of Christ. Visitation with the family will begin at 10 AM, and the service will follow at 11 AM. The family appreciates more than words can convey the support of their many friends and family during this sad time.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following:

1. Christian Family Services, the adoption agency that helped make Emmeline Faith (Emma) a beloved member of the Hendricks Family and Vernon’s granddaughter:

Christian Family Services, Inc.

2720 SW 2nd Ave. Gainesville, FL 32607

https://cfsfl.org/contact-us/

1. Mount Dora Children’s Home, which provides loving homes and education to children in need—a cause Vernon supported for many years:

Development Office

Mount Dora Children's Home

301 W. 13th Ave

Mount Dora, FL 32757

https://www.mdchome.org/give