Charles Whitley "Charlie" Henderson

January 27, 1937 – June 14, 2025

Charles Whitley Henderson, known affectionately as "Charlie," of Abingdon, Virginia, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2025, at Johnston Memorial Hospital.

Born in the Hayters Gap community of Meadowview, Virginia, Charlie was the son of W.P. Henderson and Carrie McCray Henderson. A proud graduate of Meadowview High School, he excelled in both football and baseball, later continuing his education at East Tennessee State University, where he participated in the Army ROTC program. He went on to serve his country with distinction in the United States Army, with assignments that took him to Fort Jackson (SC), Fort Bliss in El Paso (TX), and Incheon, South Korea, where he served as a Military Police officer.

After his honorable discharge in 1961, Charlie returned home and, in 1962, married Brenda Hogston of Saltville, the love of his life and partner of 62 years. Together they built a life rooted in love, hard work, and community.

Charlie was a visionary entrepreneur, and after returning home, he opened Minute Ette grocery on Main Street in Abingdon, which grew into the highly successful Food Country USA—a 10-store chain serving communities across Virginia and Tennessee.

Charlie was also widely respected in the world of motorsports as the longtime owner of Henderson Motorsports, a NASCAR team he founded in 1982. His team competed in the NASCAR Cup, Xfinity, and Craftsman Truck Series, earning memorable victories at Talladega and Mid-Ohio. With over four decades in the sport, Charlie became the second-longest tenured team owner in NASCAR's national series. He was known for his quiet determination, unwavering loyalty, and the deep respect he earned from drivers and competitors alike.

Charlie’s generosity extended far beyond the racetrack. He was a dedicated supporter of local schools, veterans' causes, and faith-based organizations throughout Southwest Virginia and East Tennessee.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Brenda Hogston Henderson; his son, Don Henderson (wife Lora); his daughter, Debbie Henderson-Creasy (husband Todd); five beloved grandchildren: Adam Henderson, Emily Tortora, Caroline Creasy, Connor Creasy, Katelyn Creasy, and Carly Hargroves; and one special great-grandchild Faye Henderson.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation and memorial service on Friday, June 20, at The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, Virginia with Rev. Caleb Holman and Rev. Paul Seay officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M., with the funeral service following at 6:00 P.M. A graveside service with full military honors will take place at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, June 21, at Knollkreg Memorial Park, Abingdon.

Pallbearers will include Tom Hicok, Billy Wyatt, Chris Carrier, Todd Creasy, Adam Henderson, and Connor Creasy.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Johnny Hogston, Roger Hogston, Larry McClure, Larry Bales, Joe Fields, Mark Brown, Bernard Neese, and John Woodward.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Abingdon United Methodist Church or VFW Post 1994 honoring Charlie's legacy of service and community support.

Those unable to attend the service will be able to watch the livestream at www.youtube.com/@SVHEC/streams.

Frost Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Mr. Charles Whitley “Charlie” Henderson.