William “Bill” John Henderson II passed away in Melbourne, FL, on April 8, 2026, at age 70.

Born in Bayonne, New Jersey, on February 10, 1956, Bill was raised alongside his younger brother by their single mother, Elizabeth “Betty” Bernadette Henderson (née Kovacs), after the untimely passing of his father at age 40. William John Henderson was a Scottish immigrant; and while Bill wasn’t afforded enough time to know his father deeply, he was forever proud of his heritage and took every opportunity to pay homage to it.

Betty raised her boys upon principles of service and respect, so it was no surprise that Bill found himself joining the military just four days after graduating from Ridgefield Park High School in 1974. This decision would lead him to serve his country for 26 years, an accomplishment that was his life’s greatest honor. Through his years of service, he ventured around the globe on special missions and saved countless lives as a rescue swimmer for the United States Coast Guard. During this chapter of his life, Bill also undertook a new role that he cherished deeply when he became a father to his beloved children, William “Will” John Henderson III, and Katherine “Katie” Webster Henderson.

After retiring from the USCG in 2001, Bill permanently moved to Florida and soon met the love of his life, Lorette Kayal. Bill and Lorette spent his remaining 25 years adventuring together and helping raise their grandchildren. A lover of nicknames, he entered the era of “Shrek” in 2007 with the birth of their first grandchild, Fiona (aka “Ogre”). Bill and Lorette were blessed with the births of many subsequent grandchildren over the next two decades, all of whom adored their loving, thoughtful, and quirky “Shrekkie.”

Bill will be deeply missed and remembered as a master storyteller, a gentle giant, and the quintessential serviceman. He’d never met a stranger and would give the shirt from his back to anyone with the slightest need. Bill was always “finer than a frog hair split three ways”, and his family will love him eternally.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Lorette Henderson; brother, George Henderson; children, Katherine Webster Henderson, PhD, Kimberly D’Avis, Lindsey Kayal, and Christopher Kayal; sons-in-law, Matthew D’Avis and Dzmitry Zakharau; sister-in-law, Julie Henderson; daughter-in-law, Emily Kayal; grandchildren Fiona “Ogre” D’Avis, Soren “So-So” D’Avis, Natalie “Nataboo” Zakharau, Eliot “Das Bone” D’Avis, Sebastian “Sebbie Savage” Zakharau, Adalyn “Adda-Monster” Kayal, Boston “Mighty Mighty Bos-tone” Kayal, and Charlotte “Chucky” Kayal; along with 5 nieces, Bill known as UBD (Uncle Bill Dad), whom he loved
dearly; and several cherished great nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his son, Will Henderson.

An honors military service at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery will be held at a later date, followed by a private celebration of life. Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to the Low Rider Dachshund Rescue of Florida in honor of Bill’s four-legged best friend Dominic “Dinky” “Douglas” Henderson, who will undoubtedly long for his companion until they meet again.

The family extends its thanks to all who offered friendship and kindness to Bill through the years. May we all honor his legacy by living a life of generosity, thoughtfulness, and service to others.

Arrangements are under the direction of Millennium Cremation Service. Condolences may be left at www.millenniumcremationservice.com.