Joseph Ray Henderson

Joseph Ray Henderson

AKA

”Diamond”/”Iceman”

On September 5, 1959, a baby boy was born to Mr. Granville Henderson Sr. and Mrs. Martha Reece-Henderson, they named him Joseph Ray.  His father affectionately gave him the nickname “Black Diamond”.  Joe was the youngest of twelve children, ten boys and two girls (two sets of twins Frank and Evelyn Joyce, Mathan and Martha Ann).

Joe began attending public schools in 1965 during segregation at an all-black school in Livingston named Paul Laurence Dumbar.  In 1968, Joe continued his education at Livingston High School; the year that public schools in Livingston became fully integrated. He graduated high school in 1977.

Joe began playing football in 1971. In the seventh grade, his goal was to play on the same high school team as his brother Frank, who was two years ahead of him.  Joe finally got his wish in the tenth grade.  One day during practice, Joe told the high school team, “I came here to tackle Frank since y’all can’t”.  Joe put on a show from that day forward, winning Lineman of the Week every week he played a game.  He was rated one of the best defensive linemen in the region for three years straight.  At 6’2, 300 pounds, he was unblockable during games and practices.

Joe was never married and didn’t have any biological children.  He said he had about 200 children, considering all his nieces and nephews plus the children he coached and mentored. Joe loved them all very much. Following high school, Joe began his employment for Sparkle Ice in 1978 as a truck driver delivering ice in Livingston, TX and the surrounding areas. He worked under the management of Michael Fair. As the business prospered, they moved to Bryan College Station under the name of Harvest Ice. The business continued to grow under Joe’s leadership and he was then promoted to Foreman. After a few years, the business expanded even more under Joe’s supervision, leading him and the business to relocate to Irving, TX.  When the business moved to Irving, TX he was promoted to General Manager.  During this time, he attended classes and became a master ice sculptor.  He began to provide ice sculptures for large events, parties, and weddings.  From that point on his name changed from Joe to the “Iceman”.  He continued his employment with the company as General Manager and Master Ice Sculptor until the Lord called him home on May 13, 2024.

He was preceded in death by his parents Granville Sr. and Martha Henderson, along with seven brothers: Manuel, Norman Ray, Jessie Earl, Granville Jr., Larry, Mathan, Frank, and Thimpson “Tony” Butler (cousin/brother). Two sisters: Martha Ann and Evelyn Joyce.

Joe leaves to cherish his legacy, two brothers: Arthur Ray “Arch” Henderson (Joyce), Nathaniel “Nate” Henderson. Two sisters: Helen Henderson (John) and Marie Bennett. Two aunts: Erma Hill and Evelyn Reece. Three sisters-in-law: Maggie Dunham, Nisa Henderson, and Lena Henderson. In addition, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.