Hendrik F. Jacobs (Hennie), husband of Yvonne E. Dreyer Jacobs of Greenville, SC; died Sunday, May 3, 2026, at home after a brief illness. He was born in Johannesburg, South Africa on June 15, 1940 and was the son of the late Gilliam Jacobs and Rachel Viljoen Jacobs.

He married his sweetheart, Yvonne, in September 1964 and affectingly called her "go-go" (means little bug in Afrikaans and pronounced ho-ho with a throat sound). They immigrated to the US and settled in Greenville, SC, in May of 1979. They started Greenville Transmission Clinic in October of 1979 where they owned and operated until their retirement in June of 2014. Hennie was a hard worker, honest, ethical, and would help without charging for small repairs many times. He was a giver, but he just loved people.

His love of vintage cars became his passion and began at the age of two when he received his first toy car and he still has that toy in his collection. He was a vintage car enthusiast with a love of all things vintage. He restored, repaired, and shared knowledge of vintage cars. He was an active member in the AACA SC Region and the AACA Smoky Mountain Region. He was also a member of the National Desoto Club. His cars and his bird traveled many miles with those clubs. After his retirement, he had friends visit him almost daily to just talk or repair anything regarding the oldies. In April of 2000, the first ever "Hennie's Annual Car Show" began. This event worked his family hard, but Hennie loved all that attended and it grew each year. Even breaking his ankle and a hurricane didn't keep the show from happening. This year's car show was the Saturday prior to his home going. There were approximately 200 people and around 100 cars at that event. He didn't share his diagnosis and even though he wasn't feeling well, he wanted the show to go on. God arranged that car show for his final good-byes to all his friends and family and for him to have one last trip around the garage with nearly all of his friends and family in attendance.

He was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Greenville. He was an active member of The Gideons International since 1996. Hennie wasn't shy about his faith. Many customers, friends, and strangers were introduced to Jesus and heard the gospel message. He was invited to a youth gathering in 1963 by his "go-go". He accepted the Lord at that gathering and has faithfully served Him well since.

In addition to his wife of 61 years, he has two children: his daughter, Tersia, and her husband Brian Lohmeyer of Greer, SC. A son, Tim, and his wife, Tammy, of Taylors, SC. Surviving siblings in South Africa are Rina (Nick), Mona, Dana, and Doel. A brother, Marius (Ann), in Australia. Two brothers Monty (Amanda) and Leon (Melissa) of Simpsonville, SC.

His adored grandchildren: Travis Jacobs (Tori), Jared Jacobs (Taylor), Myles Jacobs (Lori), and Carson (Anna) of Taylors, SC. Mary Anna Brown (Patrick) of Woodruff, Shawn Baskins (Heather) of Spartanburg, SC; and Caitlyn Baskins (Alex) of Greer, SC.

His precious great grandchildren: Gracelynn Jacobs, Bennett Jacobs, Decland Jacobs, Harrison Jacobs, Wells Jacobs, Hendrik Brown, Eleanor (Ellie-Jane) Jacobs, Michael Baskins, and Hannah Benshoof.

A celebration of life service will be held at 4pm on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Faith Baptist Church (500 W. Lee Rd., Taylors, SC 29687). Visitation will be from 1:30-3:30pm in the atrium of the church. During this visitation the family invites you to a dessert social time to share special memories with the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made for memorial Bibles. Make checks and mail to:

The Gideons International, Greenville North Camp, PO Box 771, Greenville, SC 29602.

In the memo section of the check please list: IN MEMORY OF HENNIE JACOBS