Ralph W. Henson

Ralph W. Henson, 73, of Little Rock, passed away on Monday, Oct. 8, 2007, as a result of injuries he sustained from falling off a ladder on his birthday, Thursday, Sept. 27. After owning Henson Refrigeration for over 30 years, he retired 19 years ago. Ralph was a Master Mason, Iron Springs Lodge, #342. He raced sprint cars for 35 years, was the I-30 Track Champion six times, and was in the Sprint Car Hall of Fame. Ralph and his wife, Wanda, enjoyed spending the winter months at Rainbow Acres in Quartzsite, Ariz., where they rode 4-wheelers and spent time with many friends they knew from all over the country. He lived life to the fullest and did it his way. Ralph was the rock of his family who deeply loved and respected him and will miss him deeply.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Viola Henson; brother, Edgar Wadley; and sister, Marleen VanTassel.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 48 years, Wanda Henson; six children, Tony Reeves of Phoenix, Ariz., Janice Tyler Henson- Dando and husband, Adrian, of Phoenix, Ariz., and Dubai, U.A.E., Linda Harmon and husband, Roger, of Bryant, Wally Henson and wife, Ella, of Bryant, Sonny Henson of California and Ralph Henson, Jr. of California; nine grandchildren, Alanda Cates of Bryant, Jennifer Henson of Arizona, Lauren and Shelby Henson, Austin, Tanner and Tayler Harmon all of Bryant, and Tammy and Michael Henson of California; three great grandchildren, Brooklyn Swinford, Peyton Cates and Tessa Simpson of Bryant; three brothers, Joe Henson of Okalahoma, Alfred Henson of Missouri and Vernon Henson of Ohio; three sisters, Anne Henson of Pennsylvania Linda Smith of California and Brenda Eubanks of California; and many nieces and nephews.