Obituary
Rance Henderson

Matthew 25:21: "His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master’." Dr. C. Lorance (“Rance”) Henderson, loving patriarch to an adoring family, legendary storyteller, visionary leader in deaf education, U.S. Navy Veteran, tireless volunteer, and friend to all, passed away in Raleigh, North Carolina on July 21, 2025. Rance was born in Kings Mountain, NC, on April 23, 1933, to Henry Loray and Lillian Camp Henderson both of whom worked at a local textile mill. He was the oldest of six children and spent most of his childhood living in a mill village. After graduating from Kings Mountain High School and working as a meat cutter (eventually earning the Journeyman Meat Cutter designation), he joined the U.S. Navy “Seabees” and helped build the U.S. Naval Air Station Cubi Point, Subic Bay (Phillipines). In 1957, he returned to Kings Mountain to marry Betty Ledford, his high school sweetheart. After a honeymoon in Bat Cave, NC, Rance followed Betty to Salem, Oregon, to join her in a career in deaf education. Born with a passion for service and education, Rance earned degrees from Western Oregon University (B.S. and M.S.), California State University at Northridge (M.A.), and Gardner-Webb University, where he received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. At the culmination of his distinguished career, Rance served as Superintendent of the North Carolina School for the Deaf (Morganton) and Director of the North Carolina Schools for the Deaf. Before that, his professional journey included leadership roles at the Oregon State School for the Deaf (including time as football coach and track and field coach) and West Suburban Association for the Hearing Handicapped (Illinois). He authored numerous influential articles on deaf education and was a sought-after speaker and thought leader in his field. His innovative work as a teacher, coach, and administrator helped shape generations of students and teachers in the deaf community nationwide. Rance’s dedication extended far beyond the classroom and school administration. A committed civic leader, he served on numerous boards and committees including Gardner-Webb University, Boy Scouts of America (Piedmont Council), Burke County United Way, N.C. Clean Water Management Trust Fund, the N.C. Partnership for Children (Smart Start), Lake James Task Force, and the Morganton Kiwanis Club. His deep involvement with First Baptist Church of Morganton included leadership in youth and family ministries, stewardship, and Christian education. Rance received numerous honors in recognition of his exceptional professional and volunteer work including the NC Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the BSA Silver Beaver Award, the BSA Silver Shepherd Award, Kiwanian of the Year (Morganton), the Distinguished Service Award from Lenoir-Rhyne College, and (with Betty) the N.C. Baptist Heritage Award. Rance was full of life and enjoyed many things including his grandchildren and great grandchildren; UNC sports (especially basketball); hosting gatherings at their house at Lake James; teaching others how to water ski; woodworking; all kinds of food especially corn on the cob, Chick-Fil-A peach milkshakes, oyster stew, and cornbread and buttermilk; classic country and western music (especially Willie Nelson!) and traveling (countless adventures including trips to Europe, Alaska, New England, NYC, the Upper Peninsula, and Barcelo Maya). Rance and Betty lived in Morganton, NC, for 50 years, where they created lifelong friends and memories. In 2020, they moved to the Magnolia Glen retirement community in Raleigh to be closer to their children. They immediately involved themselves in the MG community and, in turn, the community embraced them. Rance is survived by the love of his life, senior prom date, and wife of 67 years: Betty Ledford Henderson. Also, son David (Sherri), daughter Julie (Rod), five grandchildren (Jessica (Brad), James (Regan), Andrew (Lauren), Sarah (Dustin), and Abbie (Will)), and six great grandchildren (Jackson, Oliver, Luke, Elsie Jo, Charlie, and Morgan). Also, sister Kay Davis, sisters-in-law Mary Henderson and Jill Ledford, and brothers-in-law Jerry Ledford, and Jerry Rikard, and numerous nieces and nephews who loved their “Uncle Rance”. The family wishes to thank the staff at UNC REX Hospital and UNC REX rehabilitation for their caring, attentive care of Rance during his last days. Also, many thanks to the staff and residents of Magnolia Glen for their love and support of Rance and Betty. Celebration of Life services will be held at: ● Magnolia Glen, 5301 Creedmoor Rd, Raleigh, NC 27612, on Friday, July 25, at 2:00 p.m., and ● First Baptist Church, 502 W Union St, Morganton, NC 28655, Saturday, July 26, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: ● Gardner Webb University, PO Box 997, Boiling Springs, NC 28017. Designation: Henderson-Ledford Scholarship Fund. ● Foothills Conservancy of NC, 204 Avery Ave, Morganton, NC 28655.