Col. (Ret.) James Anthony "Tony" Henderson

Colonel James “Tony” Henderson, U.S. Army (Ret.), age 85, of Augusta, Georgia, entered peacefully into rest on November 17, 2025. A devoted husband, father, soldier, and man of deep faith, he lived a life marked by courage, integrity, and generosity.

Born on June 13, 1940, to Harold and Louis Henderson, Tony grew up in Augusta and attended Boys Catholic High School, later Aquinas High School, graduating in its first class. He went on to earn a degree in accounting from the University of Georgia before joining the United States Army — a calling he honored for nearly three decades. He later earned a Master’s degree in Personnel Management as well.

Tony served three tours in Vietnam, the first as an enlisted soldier and the next two as an officer after completing Officer Candidate School. Over his 29-year military career, he rose to the rank of Colonel and earned a Silver Star Medal, two Bronze Star Medals, and multiple Purple Heart Medals, along with numerous other commendations for bravery, leadership, and distinguished service. Though decorated with honors, Tony remained humble, valuing family and faith far above recognition.

In 1964, Tony married Donna Hancock, with whom he shared a loving marriage for the next thirty-nine years until her passing in 2003. Together they had three children: Victoria, James Jr., and a son, Harold Thomas, who lived only two days. Tony carried the memory of his infant son quietly throughout his life.

After retiring from the Army, Tony continued to serve others through his work with the State of Arkansas before returning home to Augusta to enjoy his final years. In 2010, he was blessed to find love again when he married his wife, Elaine, with whom he shared companionship and devotion for almost fifteen years until the end of his life parted them.

Tony was a faithful member of St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church. He was known for his kindness, generosity, sharp mind, and gentle humor. He was a skilled bridge player, enjoying regular weekly games at the St. Mary Senior Center. A true southern gentleman, he went out of his way to be gracious to everyone he met. His instinct to help others was so strong that those who knew him often avoided expressing a need within earshot — knowing he would feel joyfully compelled to meet it. Though his good nature was sometimes exploited, Tony was not naïve; he recognized it and chose to love, forgive, and keep on giving.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine Henderson; his children, Victoria Henderson Stewart and James Henderson Jr. (Kim), his grandchildren, Kathleen Howlett (Sean), and Nathan Henderson (Emily), his great-granddaughter, Rowan Howlett, his stepdaughter, Jessica Mouna Holmes (Joseph), his step grandchildren, Preston Holmes and Caroline Holmes, his brother, H. Victor Henderson, his sister, Ann Henderson Lampp (Walter), many beloved nieces, and extended family and friends who will forever cherish his memory. He is preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Donna Hancock Henderson; his infant son, Harold Thomas Henderson, and his sister, Constance Henderson Mathis.

Tony Henderson will be remembered as a man of extraordinary kindness, unwavering faith, selfless service, and quiet generosity. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and in the example he set every day of his life.

Funeral services will be held at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church, 1420 Monte Sano Avenue, Augusta, GA, on Monday, November 24, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., with interment to follow at Westover Memorial Park.

Visitation will take place at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church at 10:15 a.m. on Monday, November 24, 2025 immediately prior to the funeral service.