Gordon “Gordy” Henderson, Jr., 80, of Santa Maria, passed away Tuesday, March 12.
Henderson coached football for 57 years, including stops at Righetti, St. Joseph, Santa Maria, and this past fall, Orcutt Academy.
Friends and colleagues of Gordy expressed their condolences on social media.
Today the Orcutt Academy Football family is saddened by the news of the passing of Coach Gordy Henderson! Our great season had a lot to do with the football knowledge he brought to our team! Thank you coach for all you did for us! You will be greatly missed! Forever a Spartan! pic.twitter.com/RmuSzJgGt1
— Orcutt Academy Football (@OASpartansFB) March 12, 2019
We lost a great man today! In my first year as head coach when I needed some help, Gordy joined our staff and helped propel our team and give us a great opportunity to win league and a CIF title. Without him, we never would have gotten that far! Thank you for everything coach! https://t.co/kRTG6WZDPl
— Benjamin Alberry (@Coach_Alberry) March 12, 2019
We lost great coach here on the central coast. Coach Gordy Henderson passed earlier today. This man coached high school football for just over 50 years. He was a great coach and had a huge impact to the many players he coached. RIP Gordy.
— Doug May (@dlmay5football) March 12, 2019
Henderson was also a record-setting running back for Long Beach State in 1960.
(Courtesy: Doug May)
