Charles Zachary Henderson, 78, of Gray, Maine, passed away peacefully at the Gosnell Hospice House in Scarborough, Maine on April 8, 2025. Born in Cordele, Georgia, Charles lived a life marked by service, dedication, and a deep love for the natural world.

At just 17, Charles enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving three tours in Vietnam. He later transitioned to the Navy, retiring honorably in 1988 after a long and distinguished military career. Following his retirement, Charles continued his service to the public, working for the State of Florida as a Biological Scientist, in environmental protection, for another 15 years.

Education was important to Charles.  He encouraged family and friends to pursue higher education, and he stressed the importance of education in having a full life.  He earned his Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health from George Washington University in 1976 and went on to complete a Master of Science in Health (Healthcare Administration) from the University of North Florida in 1990.

Charles was an avid hunter and fisherman. In his later years, he often fondly recalled fishing trips with his friends in Key West and other favorite spots. His love for animals was legendary—over the years, he owned and cared for dogs, cats, ostriches, pheasants, chickens, goats, pigs, ducks, and so much more. Because of this, his home was always full of life!

Charles is survived by his son, Michael Charles Henderson of Gray, Maine, and his stepdaughter, Lori Martin of Gorham, Maine. He is also survived by his former wife of 20 years, Linda K. Henderson of Pensacola, Florida, and stepchildren Christine Niemann Dillard of Pensacola, Florida, and Michael Robert Niemann of Jacksonville, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his father, Elijah Clark Henderson, his mother, Beatrice Louise Harris, and all his siblings: Merle Bishop, Ruth Ann Peterson, Jeanette Bolton, Audrey Wall, Clark Henderson, and Linda Mallard. He is lovingly remembered by his twelve nieces and nephews Kenney Bishop, Edward Boatright, Robin Wall, Lynne Kaschak, Brenda Smith, Deborah Crow, Charles Wall, Lisa Kilgore, Allan Henderson, Steve Henderson, Denise Smith & Cindy Thompson.

Charles had countless close and cherished friendships throughout his life—too many to name, but each one deeply meaningful. To know Charles was to be welcomed into his circle with warmth, humor -- there was never a dull moment when he was around. He will be profoundly missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.

Charles will be cremated and is in wait to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery.  A private Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 2025, at the Georgia Veterans State Park, 2459 US-280, Cordele, GA 31015.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the ASPCA in remembrance of Charles and his lifelong love for animals.