Bill Henderson (bottom right) graduated from the General Motors Institute, which jump-started his career with General Motors, where he worked as the vice president of fleet sales and in the Oldsmobile division.
Photo: Henderson Family / Automotive Fleet
William (Bill) R. Henderson, former Oldsmobile account manager and vice president of fleet sales at General Motors, died peacefully in Knoxville, Tennessee, on January 23, according to his official obituary. He was 84 years old.
Henderson was born in Flint, Michigan, and graduated from Newberry High School. He was immensely proud to be a Yooper (a resident of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan). After high school, Henderson became interested in the auto industry and graduated from the General Motors Institute. This jump-started his career with General Motors, where he worked as the vice president of fleet sales and in the Oldsmobile division.
In a 1982 interview with Automotive Fleet, Henderson and other fleet professionals discussed the used car market and diesel-powered vehicles.
“So many times, your memory only remembers the bad things. All the good things you forget. You only remember that one bad time, whether with an auto or something else,” Henderson said regarding the public perception of diesel engines in the 1980s.
He acknowledged that Oldsmobile never claimed diesel engines would last longer than gasoline engines. However, he suggested public expectations and misconceptions — such as associating diesel with million-mile truck engines — may have contributed to dissatisfaction.
He also pointed out that diesel vehicle sales did decline at the time, not solely due to mechanical failures but also because of low gasoline prices, which reduced the financial advantage of diesel during that period.
“Bill was the Oldsmobile account manager when I started at McDonald’s in 1986. Bill was always professional and had a great sense of humor, even when being all business. He was very proud to represent Oldsmobile and was very supportive of McDonald’s. I remember him fondly,” Sue Miller said.
“Bill was an absolute professional while representing Oldsmobile. Bill was our (Gelco’s) national rep and did a great job servicing our account,” said Terry Langness, former VP of national sales for PARS Inc.
Henderson had a love for golf, football, and anything sports-related, especially if it was a Michigan team. His presence, strength, and kindness will be missed by his family and all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and devotion to his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Della Henderson, his wife Karen Henderson (nee Nowack), and their son Christopher Henderson. Henderson is survived by his son, Scott Henderson (Linda), formerly of Naperville, IL, and now of Loudon, TN, along 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 private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Did you know Henderson? Please honor his impacts and legacy by sharing your favorite memories or stories from your time with him in the comments.
