Ronald Bowman Henderson

Obituary For Ronald Bowman Henderson

Ronald Bowman Henderson, Sr. was born on December 8, 1939, to Melvin and Pearl Cohen Henderson in Hastings, Florida. Known affectionately by many as “Gator Bait,” Ronald attended elementary school in Hastings, Florida, and Deer Park, Long Island, New York.
During his continued education at Hastings Vocational Training School, Ronald met his high school sweetheart, the late Rosalie Johns. Together, they had five children: Gwen Johns (deceased), Annette Wallace Johns, Donald Johns, Renee Johns (deceased), and Gary Chaney.

Ronald’s first marriage was to the late Barbara Graham, and from this union, they welcomed a daughter, Rhonda Henderson. His second marriage was to Voncille Anderson Henderson, and to this union, they were blessed with two children: Ronald B. Henderson, Jr., and JoJo Henderson. In addition, he had a daughter, Deborah Farrell, and a son, Bobby Gulley (deceased). Throughout his life, Ronald was the proud father of ten children, each of whom he loved dearly.
Ronald worked in various roles over the years and ultimately retired from the Wyandanch Union Free School District as a groundsman after 16 years of dedicated service (1986–2002). He loved sports and was an avid Green Bay Packers fan. One of his greatest joys was riding his motorcycle. In 1988, he became a proud member of the Peacemakers Motorcycle Club in Wyandanch, New York, where he received his colors.
He was known for his wonderful sense of humor and his ability to keep those around him laughing. Ronald’s vibrant spirit made him a joy to be around.
On October 13, 2025, at 3:17 a.m., an Angel of Death passed silently through his residence. A gentle spirit bore his body away from sorrow, sickness, and pain.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Pearl Cohen Henderson; three children, Gwen Johns, Renee Johns, and Bobby Gulley; and five siblings, Alfonso, Mary Ann, Melvin Jr., Joyce, and Alvin.

Ronald leaves behind cherished memories with four sons: Donald Johns, Gary Chaney, Ronald B. Henderson Jr., and JoJo Henderson; three daughters: Annette Wallace, Rhonda Henderson, and Deborah Farrell; a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; four siblings: Gwendolyn Moore, Christian Fisher (Roy), Peter Henderson, and Helen Henderson; his beloved companion of 37 years, Diane Gibbs, along with her children Thomas, Kendra, Rashida, and Maya, and grandchildren; his childhood best friends Roscoe Steward, Charles Harris, and Robert Calloway — fondly known as “The Four Musketeers” as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.