Dr. Robert Finley Hendrickson, Jr., passed from this life to his eternal home in Heaven on September 28, 2024, after several years of declining health.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 51 years, Brenda Whitlow Hendrickson, and four sons: Robert Finley Hendrickson, III (Crystal), William Paul Hendrickson, Jeffrey Charles Hendrickson, and Philip Wayne Hendrickson. Also, two adored grandsons: Jeffrey Jeremiah Hendrickson and Abraham Eli Hendrickson. Dr. Hendrickson was preceded in death by his father, Robert Finley Hendrickson, Sr., and his mother, Ruth Frith Hendrickson.

Finley grew up in Brodhead, Kentucky. He lived close to the school where both of his parents were teachers. He was “The Paperboy” from the time he was 11 years old. He bought his first car with his earnings from delivering newspapers.

He graduated from Brodhead High School and attended Eastern Kentucky University for his undergraduate degree in the Sciences. Then, in 1972, he received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Kentucky (UK). Finley spent the next year in Roanoke, Virginia, for a rotating internship at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. There, he met Brenda where she was working as a recovery room nurse. After completing the internship and marrying Brenda, they moved back to Lexington, Kentucky, where he finished a residency in Family Practice at UK. He was part of the very first class at UK to complete a residency in family medicine. He attained lifelong status as a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Dr. Hendrickson practiced family medicine in Danville for 45 years. Taking care of people and establishing lifelong relationships with them was his life’s joy and his passion. He followed many patients from birth to adulthood and took care of many extended family members. “Doc” was known for having a “sixth sense” when it came to diagnosing and treating patients. There was never a day that he complained about the demands of his work. His retirement was not a joyous occasion for him. Thus, four months after his retirement, he was offered an opportunity to start a new rural health clinic in Brodhead, Kentucky. It was a Divine gift for him. He so much enjoyed finishing his life’s work in the place where he was raised. He practiced at Brodhead Family Care for three years and then fully retired.

His last few years were physically difficult for him but he and his family cherished each and every day. He particularly enjoyed car rides to his farm in Rockcastle County where he counted and recounted his cattle and checked out the land. He was also an avid fan of UK Athletics.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Lexington Avenue Baptist Church with the visitation on Thursday, October 3rd, from 4:00-8:30 PM, and the funeral will be held on Friday, October 4th, at 11:00 AM. Burial will be in Piney Grove Cemetery in Brodhead, Kentucky.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Danville Christian Academy.

We would also like to express our sincere appreciation and thanks to the staff and providers at Ephraim McDowell Health, The Willows at Harrodsburg, and Heritage Hospice.

Through a very difficult time, our burdens and worries were alleviated by the care and concern of many for which we will be forever grateful. For condolences and to share memories please visit www.stithcares.com