Harley Lewis Henderson was born in Marianna, Florida on August 19, 1934. He spent the majority of his life in DeFuniak Springs, Florida where he was known as a fair and generous gentleman. He was preceded by six generations of his family in this area, the first arriving in 1820. He was a 1952 graduate of Walton County High School where he excelled in football and baseball. He attended Oxford College of Emory University where he met his wife of 65 years. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Louisiana Tech University with a major in Professional Aviation. He followed this with coursework toward a master's in business administration. He held a private and commercial pilot's license and was qualified in instruments, aerobatics, and multi-engine aircraft.

He entered the United States Air Force as an Airman Basic. He became president of the Airman's Club. He was discharged as a staff sergeant then attended college on the GI Bill. He was selected for the Aviation Cadet program where he graduated second in his class. He attended command and staff college and retired as a highly decorated Lieutenant Colonel. He served in the 70th Bomb Wing, at Strategic Air Command Headquarters, on the Airborne Command Post (Looking Glass), and as an Electronics Warfare Officer with 47 missions over Viet Nam, followed by a tour as an Intelligence Officer at Saigon, Vietnam. He ended his career as a squadron commander in missiles in Little Rock, Arkansas. Following retirement, he was employed as a commercial estimator and corporate pilot. He served as president of the Arkansas Aero Club.

On his return to DeFuniak Springs, he and his brother Charles owned and operated Henderson Feed Mill for twelve years, succeeding his father and grandfather. He was a realtor and broker. Mr. Henderson served two terms as Mayor of DeFuniak Springs during which time the city received a State Historic Preservation Grant for restoration of the depot and grants to install and beautify medians along Highway 331. He served in civic organizations such as Walton County Heritage Association (President), the Military Affairs Committee of the Chamber of Commerce, Choctawhatchee Military Council, Kiwanis Club, and the Civil Air Patrol. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. As a member of St. Agatha's Episcopal Church he served as treasurer, chairman of the finance committee, vestry member, and as Senior Warden. He was repeatedly elected as delegate to the Diocesan Convention. He loved hunting, fishing, water skiing, sailing, football, and golf. Over his lifetime he owned a variety of airplanes, boats, and camping vehicles. He was a member of the Tin Can Tourists.

Harley is survived by his wife, Dr. Melinda C. Henderson (née Crenshaw), a brother Charles H. and wife Carolyn Henderson (née Oliver), a grandchild, Mackenzie Brown, a son-in-law, David Brown, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Arie W. and Cordelia "Dee" Henderson (née Chatwood), and his daughter Lisa Henderson.

A service will be held at St. Agatha's Episcopal Church, 144 Circle Dr, DeFuniak Springs FL 32435 on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at 2:00 pm. Internment of cremains will follow the service in St. Agatha's Memorial Garden. Later, a marker will be placed in the Henderson family plot at Gum Creek Cemetery. The family requests no flowers. However, memorials may be made to St. Agatha's Endowment Trust or to the Preservation Fund.