Robert "Mac" Mcleod Henderson

Mac was born on August 27, 1939, in Charleston, SC, the middle child of three sons, Pat, Mac, and Lou, born to Doc and Louise Henderson. The family moved to Maxton when Mac was four years old and later lived at Floral College, a community about two miles north of Maxton.  He attended the Maxton schools and did the normal things that living in a small rural community offered; church, school activities and athletics, Boy Scouts and lots of friends. Mac and his first leadership role in the Boy’s Safety Patrol – an organized group that monitored crossings in front of the elementary and high schools.  One of Mac’s chores at home was milking cows each morning and as he grew older, other chores were assigned. While in Junior High and Maxton High, he became a star athlete in all sports, an Eagle Scout, a Maxton First Presbyterian Church member and a graduate of Maxton High School in 1957. He then attended and graduated from Davidson College, member of Kappa Sigma fraternity where he met many life long friends and returned to Maxton in 1962 to marry his high school “sweetheart” and the love of his life, Linda McInnis. Their first months were spent in Norfolk, Virginia where Mac served his country with two years in the Navy. When Mac and Linda returned to Maxton, he became a partner in Hasty Insurance Agency and worked there until he retired.

Mac’s activities covered the gamut of Maxton’s offerings for service: the Jaycees (Mac was a charter member and recipient of the Distinguished Service Award), the Mormax Club, the Rotary Club, the Maxton School Board, the Laurinburg-Maxton Airport Commission, and the First Bank Board. Always in service to others, Mac volunteered with the Maxton Rescue Squad and was a volunteer for Hospice.  With his brothers, Mac began the Annual Henderson Dove Hunt which included a huge barbecue lunch cooked on site at the Henderson “cabin” and the dove hunt in the afternoon on the Henderson farm. Mac was always an avid hunter and was named an Honorary Member of the North Carolina State Game Club. He also enjoyed playing golf.

Mac was always involved in the life of his community, serving as Mayor of Maxton from 1979 to 1983 and he believed the smallest needs of the town were just as important as the major needs.

All through Mac’s years in Maxton, he loved his Presbyterian Church here he gave generously of his talents. His leadership was invaluable, and many friendships developed through those connections. The congregation and the Henderson family’s faith were tested greatly by the accidental death of their son, Rob at age 14 in 1977. When the chimes given to the church in Rob’s memory ring out during a service, we all go back to that time and remember….

Mac and Linda bought their “forever home” located on Florence Street behind the Church and Sunday’s it was a usual sight to see the family walking to church. Mac became a deacon in April 1971 and in December 1977 was ordained and installed as Ruling Elder. He also served as Church Treasurer, as Trustee, and as a Sunday school teacher for 40 years.

Mac left surviving him, wife, Linda of 63 years; daughter, Nellie Davant and her husband, Wescott; granddaughter, Ella McLeod, the apple of Mac’s eye; brother, Dr. Pat Henderson; and Linda’s brother, Mac McInnis. He was preceded in death by his son, Rob; his parents, Doc and Louise Henderson; and his brother Lou Henderson.

A memorial will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church, Maxton with Rev. Stuart Wilson officiating.  Burial will be private. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall following the service.

Memorials may be made to Scotland Regional Hospice, PO Box 1033, Laurinburg, NC 28353 or First Presbyterian Church, 303 N. Patterson St., Maxton, NC 28364.

The family would like to thank Scotland Regional Hospice for the wonderful care Mac received at the Hospice Morrison Manor, Carolina Hearts, and his faithful friend and care provider, Sandra Johnson.

Bumgarner Family Funeral Service and Crematorium is assisting the Henderson family.

Online condolences can be made at www.bumgarnerfunerals.com.

Scotland Regional Hospice
P.O. Box 1033, Laurinburg NC 28353
Web: https://www.scotlandhealth.org/scotland-regional-hospice/donate

First Presbyterian Church-Maxton
303 N. Patterson St., Maxton NC 28364