Bert Henderson

Bert Henderson
Easley, SC

Elbert Lee "Bert" Henderson, 60, beloved husband of the late Lee Ann Hudson Henderson, passed away Monday, February 20, 2017.

Born in Pickens County, he was the son of the late Charles Willis Henderson and Geraldine Hopkins Henderson.

Bert was a charter member of Easley First Baptist Church where he taught the McCall/Moorhead Sunday School Class, was a Deacon, served as Chairman of the Deacons and held numerous positions in the church. He loved his family, was an avid hunter, enjoyed playing golf and was involved in all sports at Clemson University.

He graduated from Easley High School in 1974, and Mars Hill College in 1978 with a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education and Health. He earned a Masters of Education in Administration and Supervision from Clemson in 1980. He served as an instructor in the education department for 12 years. He was also a co-host of the Tiger Tailgate Show for four years and was professionally associated with the National Society of Fund-raising Executives, Tiger Brotherhood, and is a South Carolina State Constable. His Clemson career began in 1978 as an athletic trainer and throughout his time at Clemson he became comfortable in any role, from wrapping ankles to raising money for IPTAY. Before officially beginning his administrative career, Bert served as a trainer on Clemson football's 1981 national championship team. His administrative tenure at Clemson began when he served as Business Manager and trainer for Bill Foster's basketball teams (1982-1984). In 1984, he moved to Clemson's Alumni Center as a field agent. While there, he set up visiting team headquarters, and managed Clemson Alumni and Clemson Club meetings. In addition, he initiated the umbrella structure for which all alumni and athletic activities take place. In 1985, he became IPTAY's first Associate Executive Director.

In 2004, Bert became IPTAY's Executive Director. He provided new opportunities with IPTAY's annual giving levels, establishing the Heisman level at $10,000 annually and securing 100 donors in the first year of 2005. Later he established the McFadden level and the Howard level to allow donors to move up from within, while helping the growth of IPTAY.

Bert enhanced and developed the bar code data system for IPTAY, restructured the priority points system in 2001, and helped the technical communication of the database. He has secured numerous naming opportunities and endowments. Dean and Ann Coleman honored him in 2001 when they endowed a trainer's position in his name. His duties at IPTAY included coordinating planned giving for Clemson University athletics, wherein Bert worked with donors to help establish the best method to provide gifts to Clemson athletics' future. Bequests, trusts, endowments and other financial tools will be a part of gift and estate planning. He also works directly with Clemson University and the Clemson Athletic Capital Campaign offices to secure the best procedures for the donor and Clemson's future for all capital gifts.

Surviving are his daughters, Amy Lee Henderson of Anderson and Kimberly Ann Henderson of Charlotte, NC; and a brother, Daniel Henderson of Easley.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 24, 2017 at 2:30 PM at Easley First Baptist Church, 300 East First Avenue, Easley, SC 29640, with the Reverend Dr. John Adams officiating.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the church narthex.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Bert to the Easley First Baptist Church, Generations to Come, 300 East First Avenue, Easley, SC 29640, or to IPTAY, P.O. Box 1529, Clemson, SC 29633.

The family will be at the home.

Condolences may be expressed online by visiting www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.