Jack Hensley, 74, of Elizabethton, passed away Friday, August 22, 2014, at Sycamore Shoals Hospital.
He was a native of Unicoi County and a son of the late Floyd and Creedie Martin Hensley.
Mr. Hensley had worked for Oteen V.A. Hospital in Asheville, N.C. He was a 12-year U.S. Army veteran, having served two tours in Vietnam. He earned several medals, including National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Expert Rifle (M-16), Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Drill Sergeant’s Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Bronze Star Medal.
Mr. Hensley enjoyed making jewelry and painting.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Dillard “Bud” Moore and Wayne Hensley; a sister, June Brinkley; and a brother-in-law, Clarence Runion.
Survivors include a daughter, Doris Tice of Pennsylvania; two sons, Ralph Hensley of Missouri and Stefan Hensley of Montana; a sister, Nelda Runion of Erwin; three brothers, Thurman Hensley and wife Linda of Watauga, Granville Hensley and wife Shelby of Bristol and Cecil Hensley and wife Dixie of Johnson City; a brother-in-law, Richard Brinkley of Asheville; five grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; a special friend, Barbara Smith of Elizabethton; and also a companion, his dog, Molly.
Graveside services for Mr. Hensley will be conducted at 1:45 p.m. Friday, August 29, in the Mountain Home National Cemetery. The Boone Dam VFW Honor Guard Detail will provide Military Honors. The family will greet friends at the funeral home from noon until 1:15 p.m., then go in procession to the cemetery. Pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to the Greeneville-Greene County Humane Society, P.O. Box 792, Greeneville, TN 37743. They are a no-kill animal shelter that took Molly in and found her a “furever” home. Jack chose to help others after his death by being an organ and tissue donor. The family would like to offer special thanks to the entire staff of Ivy Hall Nursing Home and Barbara Smith for the wonderful care and compassion they provided. Condolences may be made online at www.wadugger.com.
Woodall-Anderson and Dugger Funeral Home, 108 W. Watauga Avenue, Johnson City, (423) 928-2245, is serving the Hensley family.