December 15, 1926 - October 22, 2013
Spurgeon "Doc" Hendrick, 86, passed away on Tuesday. A native of Huntsville, Reverend Hendrick graduated from Joe Bradley High School in 1946. Rev. Hendrick served in the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II. He was a graduate of Howard College (Samford University), and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, in Louisville Kentucky.
Rev. Hendrick served as Pastor of Providence Baptist Church, in Walker County, Alabama; Cedar Creek Baptist Church, in Kentucky; and later at Meadow Drive Baptist Church in Huntsville. After transitioning from full time ministry in 1972, he served as an interim pastor for several churches throughout Madison County and southern Tennessee, including Mountain View Baptist Church, Monte Sano Baptist Church and Cash Point Baptist Church, in Ardmore, Tennessee.
Rev. Hendrick taught at Huntsville High School from 1972 until 1992. He taught U.S. History and coached the school's debate team. As debate coach, Rev. Hendrick's teams won state championships and received national recognition. He took great pride in his career of teaching and mentoring our community's young people. He also served a term as President of the Huntsville Education Association.
Rev. Hendrick is survived by his wife, Margaret Gaines Hendrick, his children, Margaret Nell Fowler (Randy), Spurgeon Hendrick, III (Shari), Shar Hendrick, Vicki Granados Hendrick, and seven grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday at First Baptist Church, Huntsville.
Mr. Hendrick was my teacher and debate coach. He was an inspiration and a mentor. Teachers like him leave a legacy that is unmatched. - Barry Ragsdale
I was fortunate to have a number of teachers who really made a difference in my life, Mr. Hendrick was among the best. - Ron Paludan
Mr Hendricks ran our very successful Huntsville High Debate Team for many years. He spent a lot of time with us on the road attending our debate tournaments. He set a good example for us. - John Genter