OKEECHOBEE -- Longtime judge and local historian William “Bill” Hendry died peacefully in his home on Sept. 26. He was 96 years old.

Judge Hendry was born July 29, 1929, at his grandfather Jack Hendry’s home in Okeechobee. He was the son of William J. Hendry and Hope Duncanson Hendry.

He attended the University of Florida before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He served from 1950 to 1954 as Chief Clerk of the Legal Department at Pinecastle Air Force Base. He returned to UF to attend law school and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1957.

Judge Hendry had a private law practice in Okeechobee County for 23 years, serving as county attorney for 21 years and city attorney for 10 years. In 1981, he was elected Okeechobee County Judge. In 1984, he was appointed by Gov. Bob Graham as Circuit Judge of the 19^th Judicial Circuit – the first from Okeechobee County to serve as a circuit judge. He was Chief Judge of the 19^th Judicial Circuit from 1990 to 1993 and continued to serve as a Senior Judge until 2008.

Judge Hendry was one of the founding members of the Board of Trustees for Indian River State College. Along with trustee Ben Dixon, he worked to establish a branch of the college in Okeechobee County, which grew into the IRSC Dixon-Hendry Campus. He served on the board of Raulerson Hospital. He was a member of the American Legion, Masonic Lodge, Shrine Club and the Kiwanis Club.

His knowledge and love of local history were legendary. Okeechobee Historical Society President Magi Cable said his passing will greatly influence the organization.

“Bill was always the prime source for any historical related question since he lived throughout the eras here in Okeechobee and his wonderful, analytical brain stored facts and figures like no other. Often when I had a question about a picture or history, if he didn’t know off-hand, I would jokingly say ‘make it up, Bill. Who is going to question what you say?’ But no, he would research by looking through his massive files and send me the correct information.

“During a visit with the judge a few months ago, he gave me the highest honor I could ever imagine, and one that kind of frightens me. He put his hands on my shoulders and said, with all seriousness, that ‘You are now the Historical Society.’ The heavens did not open up, nor did the angels sing, but I felt that ‘bequeathment’ as something I need to live up to. The Historical Society has lost many of our foundational pillars with the recent passing of Betty Chandler Williamson and now Bill Hendry. We will try our best to live up to the trust they placed in us,” she continued.

“He was a man who lived a life of service. A man who loved history of all kinds, but particularly local history. A man who will be well remembered by this community. A man who will be greatly missed by me and the membership of the Okeechobee Historical Society,” Cable added.

The Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office shared a tribute to Judge Hendry on their Facebook page: “Throughout his tenure, Judge Hendry earned the respect of litigants, attorneys, court staff, and law enforcement alike. Even after his formal time on the bench ended, he continued to contribute — mentoring younger lawyers, offering guidance, and remaining a steadfast supporter of justice in our county.”

As the news spread of his passing, other community members shared memories of the judge.

“We have lost one of the dedicated, a true Gentleman, of our County! The history of Okeechobee County was with one of the compassionate Judges. He was for the people!” posted Inez Faircloth.

“A true quiet southern gentleman. I loved being in the courtroom as a deputy clerk when he filled in for our (Indian River County) vacancies,” added Marge Chandler.

“We need more men like Judge Hendry. His life is certainly an example for us to follow, especially as the way he loved and treated his fellow man. He will be greatly missed in Okeechobee County his family, friends, and staff are in my prayers daily,” commented Deloris Sherman.