Van Hendrix

Van’s service as a song leader at Emerald Beach Church of Christ began in 2005. Although he did not live in the area at the time, he traveled from Columbus, Georgia, whenever the congregation needed him. During those early years, Van had the privilege of worshiping alongside many of Emerald Beach’s “first families” at the elementary school, before the church building was constructed on Alf Coleman Road.

Van’s journey as a song leader began at just 15 years old, when the elders of his home congregation in Columbus encouraged him to learn to lead singing. One of those elders was his grandfather, Thomas Redmon. With the encouragement of his grandfather and the rest of his family, Van continued developing his talents and serving through song—from his childhood congregation at Torch Hill Road to his adult years at the Edgewood Church of Christ.

In 2018, when his employer gave him the opportunity to work remotely, Van sold his home in Columbus and made Panama City Beach his permanent home. After a long career with Synovus Financial, he retired in 2025.

Retirement has given Van even more opportunities to serve. He enjoys helping the church wherever he is needed, working in his yard, fast walking on the pier by the beach, reading, experimenting with growing his own vegetables, and, of course, sampling M&M’s.