Francis Earle “F.E.” Hendrix
Francis Earle “F.E.” Hendrix, age 97, of Abner Creek Road, Duncan, a lifelong resident of the Abner Creek Community, and husband of Louise Snelgrove Hendrix, went to his heavenly home on February 2, 2023. F.E. and Louise were married for 78 years.
Born October 26, 1925, in the Abner Creek Community, he was the son of the late J. Olice and Ernestine Wilson Hendrix. He lived on the land where his ancestors settled in the 1700s. He was an active lifetime member of Abner Creek Baptist Church and served many years as deacon, youth teacher, greeter, and was on numerous committees. He retired from the Springs Industries Comptroller Accounting Staff at Lyman after 48 years of service. While working at Lyman he operated a peach farm and a cattle farm in partnership with his brother Bill and father J.O. In recent retirement years, he has partnered with his grandsons, Wes and Reid Fisher, in a small cattle operation. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
F.E. was known as the church and area historian, and authored four historical publications. F.E. coordinated with GSP and BMW in the placement of the Flatwood Community historical granite marker on Brockman-McClimon Road near the airport entrance to honor the displaced Flatwood farm families, baseball players, and fans. He was awarded the Order of the Silver Crescent (2006) and the Order of the Palmetto (2022). He was honored by the Byrnes High Block B Alumni as a “Rebel Legend” in 2022.
He led several church projects including the placement of the Church Historical Marker, Cemetery Beautification Program, and land acquisitions. He also led in the relocation of the historical log cabin from his family farm to church cemetery property. The log cabin was the birthplace of Abner Creek Baptist Church in 1832.
F.E. also has served as the manager of the church and cemetery grounds since 1975. He established the Abner Creek Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund which ensures the cemetery will always be maintained properly in future years.
He was a member of the Duncan Ruritan Club for over 56 years, Laurens Electric Cooperative Board member for over 29 years, and served on the BMW Community Advisory Panel for over 10 years.
F.E. graduated from Duncan High School in 1942 and has served as coordinator for their class reunions. After playing basketball for Duncan High School and being selected to the Spartanburg County All Star Team, he attended and played basketball at Clemson College and was one of the first three freshmen to earn a Block C letter with the varsity team in 1943. He played baseball for 10 years as the first baseman with the Flatwood Peaches in the Spartanburg County Twilight League in the 1950s. The field was located on what is now GSP Airport. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching the Clemson Tigers, Atlanta Braves, and Carolina Panthers.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Mary Harrison (Larry) and Beth Fisher (Steve); four grandchildren, Travis Harrison (Jennie), Paige Harrison Johnson (Ryan), Wes Fisher (Amy), and Reid Fisher (Nancy); 10 great-grandchildren, Karsyn, Katelynne and Kaden Harrison, Hunter Lancaster, Coraline and Benna Johnson, Olice, Georgia, Clementine, and Leo Fisher; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
F.E. was also predeceased by two sisters, Mildred H. McAlister and Irene H. Hadden, and four brothers, William A. (Bill), Cliff O., Ralph M., and Everette W. Hendrix.
Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Monday, February 6, 2023, at Abner Creek Baptist Church conducted by Rev. Donald Thomas and Rev. Wallace Hughes. Burial will follow in the Abner Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.
Visitation will be held 1-2:30 p.m. Monday, February 6, 2023, at the church prior to the service.
Grandsons and great-grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
The family will be at their respective homes.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Abner Creek Cemetery Fund, 2461 Abner Creek Road, Greer, SC 29651 or to charity of choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com.
