MERLIN LANE "POP" HENDERSON was born in Pontotoc, Mississippi in February 1947 and passed on October 7, 2025, at his daughter's home surrounded by family. He was the seventh son of seven sons and three daughters. That's the youngest of 10!  He is survived by his wife, Diane Kennedy Henderson, daughter Renee' Caldwell and her husband Jim, granddaughter Kathleen, his sister Berdell Henderson Hillhouse and a myriad of nieces, nephews and his in-laws or family in love.

He had lived in Smyrna, TN for the last 18 years. Prior to that he lived in Louisiana and Mississippi.  Merlin has been a member at Springhouse Church for 18 years.  He has participated in several Springhouse Theatre productions, enjoying being on stage.  He didn't talk much to strangers when he was younger, but his wife Diane thinks he changed, trying to have his equal time. Before retiring he worked for the City of Baton Rouge Parish as a Supervisor Inspector for the Department of Environmental Services Wastewater Division.

At Springhouse he was known by many as the Mayor of Springhouse due to the fact that when he went down during the offering to put his dollar into the basket for those in need, upon returning to his seat he would be shaking hands with everyone.  Pop never passed up the opportunity to smile or love on a baby or small child.  He has been an additional grandparent to several children in the church.  He also loves dogs and loved playing with his great granddog Lucy

Merlin loved Diane deeply and they loved being together and being on adventures. Anytime Diane worried about anything Pop would say "Everything's going to be alright" to comfort her. Many times you would hear Diane say "Hey handsome come here often". They could be found singing "Hey Hey good looking what you got cooking" to each other. They would also say I love you like a bird, or I love you forever and ever Amen".

Pop got a package deal when he married Diane. When discussing him falling in love with Diane and their courtship, he said about Renee' aka Tiny I fell in love with your mama, but I may have fallen in love with you first!  He was smitten with his granddaughter Kathleen calling her Taterbug and then later Bug.  They shared many fun times, especially when she was little and she would play beauty shop on him.  He and Diane were big supporters and attended football games to see her cheer, attending dance recitals and plays she was involved in and he loved being her Bologna supplier!

He had a great relationship with Jim, his son-in-law. Talking about tools, lawnmowers, alien tape, their wives, and picking at each other and spending time together. He was very proud of Jim and loved him deeply.

Anytime you left Merlin, he'd say Okay, have fun. This is a celebration of a life well lived. That of a man of kindness, gentleness, who loved his church family, a man who love his family and a man who loved his Savior, Jesus. Those big blue eyes and bright smile have now seen His face.

Visitation with the Henderson family will be at Springhouse Church, Smyrna on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 10:30am until the time of funeral services beginning at 11:30am. Burial will follow in Triune Cemetery under the direction of Woodfin Funeral Chapels.

An online guestbook is available for the Henderson family at www.woodfinchapel.com.