Autrey Gene Henson, Sr.

Autrey Gene Henson, Sr. “Big Gene” or “Papa Gene” of Frostproof passed away Saturday, January 18, 2025, at his residence.

He was born August 11, 1942, at Huxford, AL to the late Carey and Girlie Henson and he came here in 1970 from LaBelle. He was 100% native American Indian and member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indian Tribe. He loved his family and friends and being a truck driver.   He was very well loved by everyone and was known as a very giving person. He enjoyed going on trips to Statenville, Georgia to see Wayne and Wendell. He had a green thumb and enjoyed going to breakfast at the Roost. He liked the casinos and his black ’72 Chevy truck. He looked forward to going on the senior trips with the Poarch Band of Creek Indian Tribe.

Autrey was preceded in death by his wife, Raquel Henson, his son, CJ Henson and a brother, Ray Henson. Survivors include his children, Becky Williams (Jeff) of Avon Park, Autrey Gene Henson Jr “Willie” of Frostproof, Marty Henson of Avon Park, Laurie Painter (Mike) of Avon Park, Maggie Elyard (Tom) of Frostproof, Rebecca Henson of Frostproof and Jessie Henson of Frostproof; sisters, Kay Pierce of Arkansas, Ellen Creel (Larry) of Fort Pierce, Judy Flint (Chris) of Fort Myers, Yvonne Hunt of Lehigh, Beverly Balint (Serb) of Lehigh and Nancy Rispoli (Tony) of Lehigh; brothers, Terry Henson (Janet) of Tennessee, Wayne Henson of Avon Park and Kenneth Henson of Frostproof; 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Frostproof. The funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 24, 2025, at Family Life Church of Frostproof with Pastor Richard Cecil and Rev. Kelly Galati officiating. Interment will follow at Silver Hill Cemetery.