Dr. Paul F. Henderson, Sr., 80, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026, in St. Petersburg, Florida. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered. Paul lived his life full of love for his family and was known for his kind spirit, steady strength, and unwavering commitment to caring for others.

Born in New Orleans and raised in Mobile and Boston, Paul carried with him throughout his life a deep love for his mother, Eva Olivia Jones, whose influence shaped his gentle and thoughtful nature.

A Vietnam veteran, Paul pursued higher education at the University of Massachusetts and completed summer studies at Harvard University. During this time, he met his future wife, Arlene, and together they began their family in Boston with the birth of their daughter, Eva.

Paul earned his medical degree from Meharry Medical College and completed his residency at Hurley Medical Center in Flint, Michigan, where his family grew with the births of Paul Jr. (PJ) and Rena. He later completed a fellowship in gastroenterology.

Dr. Henderson dedicated his entire career to the practice of medicine, driven by a deep passion for helping others. He served communities in Mississippi and Detroit, providing care to those in need, before returning to Mobile, Alabama, where he established his private practice in internal medicine and gastroenterology.

During his years in Mobile, he was an active member of Bethel AME Church. He gave health presentations at his church, continuing his care for others beyond his medical practice. He loved the Lord, read his Bible faithfully, and shared his faith with his children - teaching them the Lord's Prayer, reading Bible stories to them when they were young, and guiding them by example throughout their lives, so they would grow to know and love the Lord.

He was known for his compassion, humility, and dedication to others. He had a kind spirit and a reflective presence that touched everyone who knew him. Above all, he was a devoted father and grandfather who cherished his family deeply.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Eva Olivia Jones, and his brothers, Alvin Coles and Clauzell Henderson.

He is survived by his children, Eva, Paul Jr. (PJ), and Rena; the mother of his children, Arlene; his in-laws, Conan and Keisha; his grandchildren, Kenika, Danielle, Tia, Renae, Kiahna, and Little Eva; his great-grandchildren, Noah and Zoey; and many nieces and nephews. His legacy of love lives on through each of them.

Funeral services and burial will take place in Boston, where his mother and family also rest.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." — 2 Timothy 4:7