Robert "Bob" Hendrickson

Robert “Bob” Hendrickson, beloved father, grandfather, brother, and respected leader in the beverage alcohol industry, passed away on October 18, 2025. Bob was a pillar of strength, loyalty, and passion - and always the life of the party. His contagious energy and gift to make others feel at ease left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Bob grew up in a lively household with three brothers--Jim, Don, and Chris--and two sisters--Jeannie and Kristin. His early years in Detroit sparked his lifelong love of fishing and Michigan Wolverine football. Midway through his childhood, the Hendrickson family packed up and headed to sunny Southern California, where Bob graduated from Dana Hills High School lettering in both football and basketball.

He went on to attend San Diego State University, where he was an active member - and later president - of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. Bob earned his B.A. in Management, though those who knew him best will tell you he spoke less about his coursework and more about camping trips to San Felipe, Mexico drinking coco locos and sleeping on the beach.

After graduating from SDSU, Bob began a 43-year career in the wine and spirits industry starting in Los Angeles with the Gallo Sales Training program. A few years later, he relocated his family to Dallas for what was intended to be a short, two-year stint with distributor Julius Schepps, but that temporary move turned into more than 40 years of leadership and impact as the company evolved into Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), the premier national wholesaler it is today.

Bob rose through the ranks from sales representative to COO and, most recently, CEO of RNDC. Bob attempted to retire in late 2024, but when his team needed him most, he returned to steady the ship. The day that RNDC announced his return didn’t just boost morale, but it reignited a sense of purpose and unity across RNDC. Those who had the privilege of working with him knew his passion for people and his deep commitment to culture. He led with loyalty, humility, and the kind of tough love that inspired growth - a trait his children can certainly attest to. Bob went above and beyond for his people and always encouraged family first above all.

Bob was incredibly proud of his two children, Lauren and Wesley. He introduced them to his love of sports, coaching several of their teams when they were young and taking them to countless sporting events over the years. He was overjoyed to see his family expand, as they both married in 2022 and welcomed his new son- and daughter-in-law into the family with open arms. Becoming “Boompa” to his grandchildren, Avery and Freddie (both 2 years old) brought him immense joy. Boompa is a legacy name passed down from his own father and one Bob was incredibly proud to live up to.

Outside of his family and career, Bob had two great passions: fishing and Michigan Wolverine football. He loved being on the water, and his calendar was often built around long weekend fishing trips. In the Hendrickson family, multi-day fishing trips were a rite of passage and opportunities to disconnect and recharge. Bob caught himself plenty of trophies over the years and wouldn’t hesitate to show you the photo and share the story.

When he wasn’t reeling in tuna or taking a float plane to remote rivers, Bob was cheering on the Michigan Wolverines. He traveled to as many games as he could possibly attend each year and was a fixture at the legendary "Men's Tailgate” decked out head to toe in maize and blue. The group was famous for their slogan: “This one, one more and then we’re outta here!”. Bob exemplified that passion for camaraderie and letting the good times roll.

Bob is survived by his loving children, Lauren (Chad) Hawk and Wesley (Lauren) Hendrickson; his adored grandchildren, Avery Hawk and Freddie Hendrickson; his siblings Jim Hendrickson, Don (Meegan) Hendrickson, Chris Hendrickson, Jeannie White, Kristin (Karl) Watkins; numerous Hendrickson family members; and many close friends who might as well be family.

He was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Mary Lou Hendrickson; his father, Donald Gene Hendrickson; and his mother, Kathleen Mary Hendrickson.

There will be a celebration to honor Bob’s life at 12:00pm on Friday, November 14th at the Arlington Backyard at Texas Live (1650 East Randol Mill Road, Arlington, TX 76011). In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Blood Cancer United (formally known as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society): https://diy.bloodcancerunited.org/bobhendrickson

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