David Hendrix, Jr.

Sunrise: February 27, 1952

Sunset: September 10, 2021

David Hendrix Jr, was born in Poplar Grove, Arkansas. He accepted Christ at an early age and joined Tucker's Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Poplar Grove. He later moved to Wisconsin where he attended Fountain of Life Covenant Church, in Madison.

David was known by many names: David, Junior, Big Dave, Mountain Head, Pop-Pop, to name a few. David was a well loved life partner, sibling, father figure and friend.  He was outgoing, and an essential part of the Madison Community for his entire adult life. He worked several jobs during his life, mainly Oscar Mayer, but later retired from Madison College.

One of David's greatest passions was his very important role of "Santa Claus".  All over the Madison Community are photos of David, in homes posing with cheerful bliss alongside families, for some, the only Black Santa they had ever seen. David played the role of Santa for nearly 30 years, giving hope, cheer, photos and gifts to the people he met. David and his Mrs. Claus, (Ms. Pia) were some of the best 'Santa' figures the nation had ever seen. David was also hired on a corporate level, to play Santa nationally, specifically in Los Angeles and Philadelphia; he was in high demand, being one of just a few Black Santa Claus.

David's love of his Honda Shadow motorcycle, and his partner, Ms. Pia, led them to become members of their motorcycle club, "Smokin Wheels MC" and the MATC Cycle Group. They regularly rode and connected with members through picnics and charity events.

David was preceded in death by his parents: David Hendrix Sr, and Beatrice Guthrie, step-mother Elvira Hendrix, step-father, Wayne Guthrie. Also, his maternal grandparents Blondell and James Sims, paternal grandparents Alberta and James Brownlee (who raised him), and a brother, Frankie Lee Hendrix.
David leaves behind his loving siblings, Clarence Hendrix, (Lesa), Corliss Ronson, (Ronald), Shirley Hendrix-Curry, and David Lee Evans, all of Georgia. Diana Diaz, (Mike), and Connie Hendrix, of Wisconsin,  and Danny Hendrix, (Joy) of Florida.

David also leaves to mourn, the love of his life and life partner Ms. Pia, of Wisconsin, his God-children: Jessica (aka Jesse, who he loved dearly and referred to as "his daughter"), Lietta, Michelle, Christine and Jasmine, their children who he fondly called his grandchildren: Nathan, Jalen, Taylor, Bria, Michael (deceased), Aria and Audri and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends.

David wrote a poem and gifted it to many family, friends, colleagues and yes, even ... President Barack Obama.  One of David's many prized possessions was a 'thank you' note he received from President Obama appreciating him for his heart, his much needed humanity, and the gift of the poem that reads:

"A Smile costs nothing, but it creates much.
It happens in a flash.
The memory of it can last forever.
It is something that can't be bought, begged, borrowed or stolen.
It doesn't do anyone any earthly good, until it is given away.
So, in your rushed life, when you encounter someone that doesn't have a 'Smile', leave one of yours, because no one quite needs a Smile like someone who has none left to give"...
The Power of a Smile...

David was a true gift to our universe. He could always be counted on to be helpful, optimistic, a good listener with an even better heart and was loved by so many, it's impossible to name everyone. Though David stood out in any crowd, due to his tall stature; all would agree that what far exceeded his size; was his huge heart, the biggest heart many have known. David was a great man and will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

DAVID'S MEMORIAL IS SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 18, 2022, IN MADISON, WI.  MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of David's favorite charities:
FOSTER of Dane County
700 Rayovac Dr #320
Madison, WI. 53711

Cress Center

6021 University Ave. Madison

(608) 238-8406