George Ward Hendon
September 16, 1941 ~ September 26, 2013
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
George Ward Hendon passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 26, 2013, in South Dakota on a pheasant hunt, surrounded by his friends doing something he dearly loved.
Ward was born in Asheville, NC, on September 16, 1941. He was the son of the late John William Hendon and Mary Adams Ward Hendon and resided in Asheville, the town he loved. He was quick to tell you he was a "native son".
He was a graduate of Lee Edwards High School (1959); the University of Tennessee (B.S. 1963); and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law (J.D. 1967).
Ward was admitted to the North Carolina State Bar in 1967 and was admitted to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. He practiced law in Asheville for 45 years with the firm of Adams, Hendon, Carson, Crow & Saenger. He loved the firm and the practice of law and was well-respected by clients and adversaries alike. He was a member of the North Carolina State Bar and the Buncombe County Bar Association, serving as its President from 1986-1987. He served as a member (1993-1999) and chair (1998-1999) of IOLTA (Interest on Lawyer's Trust Accounts); as a member of the Disciplinary Hearing Commission of the North Carolina Bar (1983-1989); and as a member of the Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference. He was the President of Pisgah Legal Services. In recognition of his outstanding community service efforts, Ward was given the North Carolina Bar Association Centennial Award in 2007.
More than anything, Ward loved being with his family and friends. He was a devoted husband of 49 years to Harriet Cobb Hendon, who survives him. He is also survived by a daughter Mary Hahn Fetter and her husband, Kris, of Charlotte, NC and a son George Ward Hendon, Jr. and his wife Clara of Los Angeles, CA, and five grandchildren (Isabel Cobb Fetter, Thomas Ward Fetter, and Charles Harris Fetter of Charlotte; and Margaret Beverly Hendon and George Ward Hendon, III, of Los Angeles, CA). He is also survived by his brother, William Martin Hendon of Tryon, NC. "Big Ward" was revered by his family.
Ward was on the Vestry and a Senior Warden of Trinity Episcopal Church in Asheville and a Trustee for the Episcopal Church, Diocese of Western North Carolina. He was a member of the Biltmore Forest Country Club. He was also a member of Seniard Creek Farm and member of the Rhododendron Royal Brigade of Guards.
Funeral services will be held at 4pm on Monday, September 30 at Trinity Episcopal Church conducted by the Rev. Dr. R. Scott White.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church or to Pisgah Legal Services.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.
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Ward was a long time family friend, and a personal mentor to me after I returned to practice in Asheville. His deep, commanding voice was reassuring, and his advice freely and fairly given. You never felt hurried talking to Ward. I will miss him, and his caring demeanor. Harriet, Ward, and Mary Hahn, we have you and all of your family in our prayers.
Love to all of you. I will dearly miss my lifelong friend. He was very, very special. Suzanne Burton Addicks
Asheville has lost one of it’s finest citizens! I was a classmate and friend of Ward. He was always so kind to everyone. Ward also had a big smile on his face for all to see.was looking forward to seeing Ward at next year’s 55 th class reunion. We will wait til we see him at heaven’s big reunion.He truly was a jewel. Bill and Mary Dot Waddell
Ward began as our attorney and became our friend. A man of impeccable character, good judgement and he was unfailingly pleasant. There was always a smile and a good word from Ward. I remember him clearing the furniture in his and Harriet’s home so we could all demonstrate our limited ability to clog. What a hoot and what a memory!! Annette and I moved to Biltmore Forest from Haywood County and Ward made us part of the community making sure we were invited to cookouts and cocktails in several homes. There will always be a specail place in our hearts for Ward.
Ward gave countless hours serving the poor on the Board of Pisgah Legal Services and the State Bar’s Interest on Lawyer’s Trust Account Fund. His leadership was solid and marked by uncommon foresight and wisdom. When he gave advice as an early Pro Bono Hotline volunteer, I observed that he gave that same wise, practical counsel to all. When the chips were down, you wanted Ward in your corner. We are so grateful that he was a friend, counselor, and pillar of strength at crucial times. We mourn his loss with family and other friends.
WARD HENDON IS MISSED BY ALL OF US THAT KNEW HIM. HE WAS A KIND,GENTLE MAN.HE MADE YOU FEEL GOOD JUST TO SEE HIM. MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY.
Greeted Ward to a FUNB Dove Shoot and developed a friend ship in,
1974. Enjoyed good conversation while rocking on the Seniard Creek porch, listening to his stories. I will miss my Dear Friend very much.
May God Bless,
George Waechter
Lynda and I are so saddened to learn of Wards death. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Billy, my friend of over 50 years, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Ward. The family is certainly lifted up in my prayers. As a colleague I can’t help but remember the many past kindnesses he showed me. – Ron Moore
Ward’s untimely death has saddened me greatly. I will always cherish our childhood on Kimberly Avenue. What wonderful memories with equally wonderful friends, like Ward. Love and prayers to all.
Ward has been a good friend for decades, and a role model as an attorney. This is a tremendous loss to all of us, his family, firm, the bar, and the community. We are so sorry. Bob Deutsch
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you. Having known Ward for many years, my heart was saddened to read of his untimely death.
My heart-felt condolences go out to you all, the Hendons. I remember back as a kid growing up with Mary Hahn, the fun smiles and jokes Mr. Hendon loved playing with me. Such a fun, lovable man. I am so saddened to hear of this tremendous loss. Thinking of you all.
Ward was a true southern gentleman and great lawyer who all other attorneys aspired to be like. Always kind to share his time and experience to help others. He will be sadly missed but his impact on Asheville and its legal community will live on for decades to come.
To : Ward Hendon’s family
Please know that we sincerely pray for your strength and endurance during your loss of a husband,father,grandfather. Our family is shaken to our core to have learned of Ward’s untimely death. He was a true friend and supporter to our family for decades.
Blessings
Clarence and Wilhelmina Bratton
David and I have just returned from a trip to Peru and were shocked and deeply saddened to receive several emails telling us of Ward’s sudden death. As we were scheduled to keep our two very small grandchildren all week while parents are away out of the country, we sadly will not be with you tomorrow. We will see you on our return Oct. 5. We send much love to the whole family and our deepest sympathy.We have all lost a dear friend. Much love, Nancy and David
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. I grew up with Ward and Bill. Ward was most helpful to me in my business, helping me with one particular situation that he handled with unmatched ability. I will miss him greatly. Wonderful thoughts of a wonderful man and prayers are sent your way.
Mr Hendon’s family,
I am sincerely sorry for your loss. Mr Hendon was one of my favorite people. I retired from U S District Court in 2011. It was a pleasure when Mr Hendon would have business in our office. He was a fine man and gentleman. I looked up and respected him as a father figure. I can’t begin to tell how much he meant to me. My prayers will be going up to our Heavenly Father for the family, Carolyn Ray and all of the staff of Adams Hendon Carson Crowe and Seanger in the days to come. May we meet him again in Heaven. Love to all of you, Joan Hollar Gosnell
an honorable and good man, We will miss him.
Our thoughts and prayers are w/ the Hendon family. He was a giant of a man, from what I understand.
Mrs. Hendon and family,
I was so very sorry to hear of Mr. Hendon’s sudden passing. He was a truly wonderful man and I have always thought fondly of him. I had the honor and privilege of working with him for 5 1/2 years at Adams, Hendon and found him to be a man with a great sense of humor and quick wit. It is a great loss not only for you and your family, but also for the legal community and the City of Asheville. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this most difficult and sad time.
Sincerely,
Cathy Hopper
He was a credit to the legal profession. I send my condolences to the family.
To the Hendon family:
We will miss Ward’s wonderful smile and great personality. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
I was so upset to hear of your great loss of a wonderful husband and human being, my codolences go out to your family. I`m sure you have a great support team to help you get through this trmendous loss. with my prayers for you and the family, Joel Holt
Dear Harriett,
We have been thinking about you since hearing the news about Ward. Charlie is so grateful for their visit the night of the Brigade. We have been in Florida and Lake Wylie on business. Wish we could be there for the celebration of his life this afternoon. You will certainly be in our thoughts and prayers. The years are filled with many wonderful memories of our times together. Hope to see u very soon.
Love, The Nesbitts
To the Hendon family:
The loss of George Ward Hendon is the loss of a court reporter’s dream attorney. All others should have been taking notes. His kindness and respect, as well as his pleasant voice, will forever be remembered. The courts will surely miss him.
Marilyn McDaris
Elaine Desjardins,
Court Reporters
Please accept my sincere condolences. I was hunting in the same field with Ward last Thursday, a very sad day for all of us. Ward had just shot a pheasant and put it happily in his vest before he left us. He was a wonderful friend, and was special to many folks. Again, I am very sorry your loss. He will be missed by many; including me. I am in MT and unable to attend today’s service, but I will be there in spirit. Thinking of you.
Dear Hendon Family,
I am saddened to hear about your loss. I remember sitting at a small table over dinner a few years ago at the Stevens’ house and feeling so lucky to be able to spend time with Ward. Many years ago he was kind enough to take me to a Tennessee/Florida football game when I was having a hard time during my junior at Christ School, complete with tailgating on a boat. It always made me proud to call him my godfather and I will remember his smile forever. He will be dearly missed.
Much love to you all,
Edward
Mary Hahn,
I am so sorry to hear of your father’s passing, My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Ward was a very special man, husband, father and grandfather. He added light and joy everywhere he went. My sympathy to all of you.
Harriet: I know that Anna Vance and the rest of your family will help you during this awful time. I am thinking of you. Monte
Mrs. Hendon and family:
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked at Mr. Hendon’s law firm as receptionist for seven years and I had a great deal of respect for him. I will keep all of you in my prayers and trust that God will comfort you during this difficult time.
Harriet & family, we are very sorry to hear about Ward, and want you to know that our prayers are with all if you at this sad time.