Obituary of William R. Hendricks, Sr.

     Mr. William R. Hendricks, Sr., 73, of Utica, passed away on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, Utica, with his loving family at his side.

     William was born in Utica, on April 18, 1950, the son of the late Roy and Bessie (Smith) Hendricks. He was raised in Utica and was a graduate of Thomas R. Proctor High School.  After graduation from high school, he received a political science degree from Utica College.  He was united in marriage to the former Elizabeth Cason a blessed union of 51 years.  Mrs. Hendricks predeceased him on January 9, 2021.  William was elected and served the people of Oneida County as a legislator for 25 years, he also worked on the Water Board.  William was very community oriented, and he was always serving others.  He was also a big history buff, enjoyed family and was an avid fisherman.

     William is survived by his daughters Sonya Ezenekwe, Tamara Sampson, son William R. Hendricks, Jr and his wife Rochelle, sister Doris Griffin, all of Utica, brothers Roy Hendricks and his wife Romaine, NJ, James Hendricks, Utica, Robert Hendricks, CA, Ronald J.Tarver, Sr. and his wife Christine, Albany, NY, 11 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  He was predeceased by daughter Tonya Petaway, sisters Linda Forman, Terry Hendricks, Robin Hendricks, Shirley Hendricks, brothers Ronnie, Thomas, Stephen Hendricks, grandchildren Brianna, Ashley, Adrian, Alex Petaway.

     Visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, from 10AM-12PM at Heintz Funeral Service, Inc. 1517 Whitesboro Street, Utica, NY.  Funeral service will follow visitation at 12PM. Interment will take place in New Forest Cemetery, Oneida Street, Utica where he will be laid to rest to his sweetheart Elizabeth.