Steven Paul Henderson, II

Steven Paul Henderson II passed away August 14,2025. He was born August 19,1975 in Spartanburg, SC.

Steven was a 1993 graduate of Boiling Springs High School. After graduation, he served in the United States Air Force from 1994-1998. Following his military career, Steve began his two-decade career at the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office. Steve began his law enforcement career on uniform patrol and then narcotics. Capt. Henderson took a brief pause from Law Enforcement where he spent several years working a K-9 for the private sector. Steve quickly realized that his calling was in Law Enforcement and helping the citizens of Spartanburg County. He returned to the Sheriff’s Office moving into the K-9 Division. This is where his K-9 legacy began. He worked with Erek and then, most notably, Bruno. While working Bruno, Steve saw a void in the way handlers were training and preparing. Not only did Steve and Bruno change the narrative on how K-9s were used at Spartanburg County, he also worked closely with other like-minded individuals across the Upstate to completely change standard operating procedures for K-9 departments across the state. His dedication to training birthed multi-jurisdictional seminars. Steve saw a need for the Sheriff’s Office to become a stand-alone unit and made it his mission to make this happen. He quickly displayed his exquisite leadership qualities and dedication, which led him to the promotion of Sergeant and then Lieutenant. Throughout his career he was awarded K-9 Handler of the Year for five consecutive years. He preached and pioneered scenario-based training for K-9 and handler fitness. Steve believed in training and “training like you fight”. This led him to want to take his mindset to the position of 1st Lt. of Special Services, which he served before his current promotion to Captain. He received multiple additional commendations including numerous Deputy of the Quarter awards, and the Medal of Valor. He was a passionate advocate for increasing access to mental health services for LEO. He worked to decrease the stigma surrounding mental health in the law enforcement community.

Steve’s law enforcement dedication was his job. His life was his family. He was a devoted and loving husband to his wife, Taylor. Taylor and Steven were inseparable and created the best versions of each other. Together they shared an infectious love that inspired everyone around them. They taught each other to believe in true love, and gave everyone who knew them hope that soulmates exist. He was a beloved son to his mother, Deborah Thompson, an extremely proud father to Miranda Henderson Greene (John) and Natasha Henderson, and a truly dedicated Pop to his grandchildren, Knox and Kolby. He was also a loyal brother to John Henderson (Kim) and uncle to Kaitlyn (and her son, Jamison), Sarah, Braeden, and Jace. Steven loved and was deeply adored by his second family: his mother-in-law, Amanda Faile, sister-in-law, Morgan Horning (Jake), and nephew, Aiden.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 20th from 5:00pm-8:00pm at Dunbar Funeral Home, 690 Southport Road, Roebuck, SC 29376.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, August 21st at 2:00pm at NewSpring Spartanburg, 399 Peachwood Center Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29301.