Drayton Henderson

W. Drayton Henderson, age 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on November 19, 2025, He was born on June 9, 1940 to the late Willard S. Henderson and Nila Gunter Henderson. Drayton was predeceased by his brothers, Jerry Wayne and Marvin Henderson.

Drayton is survived by his devoted and beloved wife of 49 years, Nellie Owens Albright Henderson. He is also survived by his daughters, Dawn Adams Combass (Mike) and Dana Smith [Tommy}, son Richard A. Albright, sister Brenda Woods, brother Parker Henderson, grandchildren, Ragan, Dawson, Hunter, Taylor, great grandchildren, Brooklyn, Preston and Easton, and many nieces and nephews.

Drayton's career started as a project engineer with D.O.T. in Alabama, but later he moved to Tallahassee, Florida and worked in the main office at D.O.T. in bridge design.

Drayton became interested in building a skating rink after picking up Rick from skating every Saturday night in Tallahassee. He designed and built Magic Valley Skateland in Valley, Alabama in 1980. Drayton and Nellie owned and operated the rink for the next 40 years where they influenced many young lives in a positive way.

Drayton was an avid golfer and was a member of Saugahatchee Country Club where he played golf for 40 years. Drayton invented a golf marker that he called The Drayton Marker, which he sold and installed on golf courses in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. After his health declined he sat in his sunroom and watched golfers play number 5.

A celebration of life will be held on December 1, 2025 at Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Chapel. Visitation is at 10:00 am, and funeral at 11:00 am. Burial will be for family only following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Food Bank of East Alabama or the Lee County Humane Society.