Joseph Lawrence Henson

Joseph Lawrence Henson, 90, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 17, 2023.
Born August 13, 1932, to Circuit-Riding Preacher Joseph LaFayette Henson and Jesse Green in Hollis, OK, he was taught to respect the Word of God at a very early age. He attended school in Durango, CO, where he graduated HS at the age of 14.
He later attended Bob Jones University where he received three undergraduate degrees. He received his graduate degree and doctor of philosophy from Clemson University.
Dr. Henson faithfully taught generations of BJU students for 46 years, challenging them to think. He served as Chair of the Division of Natural Science for 24 years. During his years at BJU he traveled with the Bible Science Team teaching Creation Science in many churches and Christians schools. He served on the boards of the Institute for Creation Research (ICR) and Answers in Genesis.
Dr. Henson’s military service was during the Korean War. He was part of the 19th Combat Engineers under McArthur.
Dr. Joe loved the outdoors and camping and saw both as venues for reaching young people for Christ. This led to his helping to co-found The Wilds Christian Camp and Conference Center in Brevard, NC in 1969.
Dr. Henson is preceded in death by his cherished wife of 67 years, Grace Curtis Henson.
He is survived by their two sons and their wives, Joseph Lawrence and Garthea (Rodebaugh) of Durham, NC and James (Jay) Curtis and June (Stansell) of Anderson, SC; their four grandchildren and spouses, Joseph and Kristi, Garth and Becky, Jessica, and Jennifer and Daniel (Simpson); and eight great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 3, 2023 at Cremation Society of SC - WESTVILLE FUNERALS, 6010 White Horse Road, Greenville, SC 29611. Visitation will be from 12:30 - 1:30 PM EST, with the service at 1:30 PM EST. Burial will follow at Greenville Memorial Gardens. Services will be livestreamed beginning at 12:30 PM EST.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Wilds Christian Association, Inc., P.O. Box 509, Taylors, SC 29687-0009.