In Memoriam: Invoice Henderson, Former GM and Oldsmobile Chief – Operations
Invoice Henderson (backside proper) graduated from the Normal Motors Institute, which jump-started his profession with Normal Motors, the place he labored because the vice chairman of fleet gross sales and within the Oldsmobile division.
Picture: Henderson Household / Automotive Fleet
William (Invoice) R. Henderson, former Oldsmobile account supervisor and vice chairman of fleet gross sales at Normal Motors, died peacefully in Knoxville, Tennessee, on January 23, in keeping with his official obituary. He was 84 years outdated.
Henderson was born in Flint, Michigan, and graduated from Newberry Excessive College. He was immensely proud to be a Yooper (a resident of the Higher Peninsula of Michigan). After highschool, Henderson took an interest within the auto trade and graduated from the Normal Motors Institute. This jump-started his profession with Normal Motors, the place he labored because the vice chairman of fleet gross sales and within the Oldsmobile division.
In a 1982 interview with Automotive Fleet, Henderson and different fleet professionals mentioned the used automobile market and diesel-powered automobiles.
“So many occasions, your reminiscence solely remembers the dangerous issues. All the great stuff you neglect. You solely do not forget that one dangerous time, whether or not with an auto or one thing else,” Henderson stated relating to the general public notion of diesel engines within the Eighties.
He acknowledged that Oldsmobile by no means claimed diesel engines would last more than gasoline engines. Nevertheless, he prompt public expectations and misconceptions — akin to associating diesel with million-mile truck engines — could have contributed to dissatisfaction.
He additionally identified that diesel car gross sales did decline on the time, not solely attributable to mechanical failures but in addition due to low gasoline costs, which diminished the monetary benefit of diesel throughout that interval.
“Invoice was the Oldsmobile account supervisor after I began at McDonald’s in 1986. Invoice was all the time skilled and had an ideal humorousness, even when being all enterprise. He was very proud to signify Oldsmobile and was very supportive of McDonald’s. I keep in mind him fondly,” Sue Miller stated.
“Invoice was an absolute skilled whereas representing Oldsmobile. Invoice was our (Gelco’s) nationwide rep and did an ideal job servicing our account,” stated Terry Langness, former VP of nationwide gross sales for PARS Inc.
Henderson had a love for golf, soccer, and something sports-related, particularly if it was a Michigan crew. His presence, power, and kindness will probably be missed by his household and all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of affection, arduous work, and devotion to his household.
He was preceded in dying by his dad and mom, Carl and Della Henderson, his spouse Karen Henderson (nee Nowack), and their son Christopher Henderson. Henderson is survived by his son, Scott Henderson (Linda), previously of Naperville, IL, and now of Loudon, TN, together with Henderson’s granddaughter, Lindsay Henderson, Knoxville, TN, and his sister, Diane (John) Ferreri of Chicago, IL, and daughter-in-law, Cristine Henderson (Chris Henderson) of Canton, GA.
A non-public memorial service will probably be held at a later date.
Do you know Henderson? Please honor his impacts and legacy by sharing your favourite reminiscences or tales out of your time with him within the feedback.
