Murray Russell Hendrickson, born July 4, 1950, passed away unexpectedly on September 6, 2023, at his home in Centerburg, Ohio. The son of Jean and Russell Hendrickson, he was a 1968 graduate of Centerburg High School.
He worked many jobs throughout the years and could build and create almost anything. He was a master handyman. He worked in the plastering field with his father and also worked for Centerburg Schools, both Heartland and Centerburg Pointe Nursing Homes, and retired from the Village of Centerburg.
He enjoyed woodworking and made many Christmas gifts for his children and grandchildren. He also liked riding his motorcycle. He greatly loved cars and drag racing and he and his son raced a dragster. He was a member of the Pacemaker Drag Strip in Mt. Vernon. His favorite car he ever owned was a spearmint green 1970 Dodge Dart Swinger.
Murray was extremely talented musically and although he could not read a note of music, he was an amazing drummer and later learned to play bass guitar. He could also sing a mean harmony. He was involved in many bands over the years, the first began while still in high school, known as “The Counselors.” The band included his best friend and “brother from another mother”, the late Phil Robison, along with Doug Faiella, Bob Condit, and the late Denny Stith. They won both Knox and Licking County Battle of the Bands, played on a moving trailer at the Ohio State Fair, and appeared on Jerry Razor’s Dance Party Later he was in several other bands including “Sonia and Company”, “Southern Blue”, the “Kokosing River Surf Club” and most recently, “At It Again”. He was best known for playing “Wipeout” on the drums and often the rest of the band would leave the stage for 15 minutes or more as he continued to play! Our dad was always so proud when Murray played “Wipeout” and we are sure he is having him playing it in heaven!
Murray was preceded in death by his grandparents, Chelsea and Louise Cowman and his father Russell Hendrickson, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Murray is survived by his wife of 26 years, Mary, whom he married on June 28, 1997. He is also survived by his mother, Jean Hendrickson, sisters Candy (Don) McCracken, Holly (Greg) Chadwick, and brother Jan (Sonja) Hendrickson. He is also survived by two children, Jason (Lori) Hendrickson and Brandi (Dustin) Whitesel. He has five grandchildren, Megan (Jake) Hackett, Cody (Brandi) Griffith, Austin (Sara) Thorpe, Levi Thorpe, and Chloe Whitesel. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren, Jaxon Thorpe, Silas, Averie and Elaine Hacket, and Nash and Cade Griffith. He also is survived by two step-daughters and five step-grandchildren. He is also survived by his only living aunt, Betty Matson and by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Murray was a wonderful human being, loved by all who knew him, a wonderful and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, son, brother uncle, and friend. He will be greatly missed by all.
Per Murray’s wishes there will be no calling hours or funeral. A Celebration of Life will be held soon.
