Gavin Roy Henderlight

Gavin Roy Henderlight, age 16 of Halls, beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, and cousin, departed this life on July 13, 2023. He was an intelligent, kind, friendly, and helpful young man who will forever be missed by his adoring family and close friends.

Gavin was born in Murfreesboro, TN on April 1, 2007. He attended Halls Elementary School, Halls Middle School, and Halls High School. He was an Honors and AP student who especially loved biology and animal sciences. He developed a love for music and played tenor saxophone and bassoon as a member of the Halls Middle and High Schools Bands. He swam competitively with the Halls Swim Team, specializing in the breaststroke and freestyle. He loved playing games of all kinds, and especially enjoyed playing D&D after school and at home with friends. He was a long-time, active member of Scouts BSA Pack 506 and Troop 506 in Halls. He most recently earned the rank of Life Scout and served as the Troop Scribe and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. Gavin enjoyed outdoor activities including camping, backpacking, fishing, and water sports. He also worked part-time as a lifeguard at Tennova Family YMCA and the Bob Temple Northside YMCA.

The family would like to thank the University of Tennessee Hospital’s Trauma Surgery ICU staff for the outstanding care given to Gavin. The family is also grateful to the team at Tennessee Donor Services and Mynatt’s Funeral Home for their kindness and assistance during this difficult time.

Gavin is preceded in death by paternal grandparents James Roy (Jimmy) and Monique Taylor (Sissy) Henderlight.  He is survived by his parents Josh and Heather Henderlight and sister, Avery Henderlight, uncle Scott Henderlight, maternal grandparents Danny and Vickie McClain, and uncle Brandon McClain, beloved aunt Donna Arp, cousin Molly (Jordy) Snyder, uncle Jeff (Tammy) Henderlight, cousin Curtis Henderlight, and a large extended family who loved him dearly. 

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, July 31, 2023, at Christ United Methodist Church, 7535 Maynardville Highway, Knoxville, TN 37938. Receiving of friends will take place from 5:00-7:30pm with memorial tributes from 7:30-8:00pm.  Light refreshments will be served.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Gavin Henderlight can be made to Tennessee Donor Services, at tennesseedonor.org or Halls Middle & High School Bands. Online condolences may be expressed at www.mynattfh.com