Barbourville, Ky. – Henry Franklin Hensley, 83, of Morristown, Tennessee, passed away Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
Henry was born in Knox County, Kentucky, to the late Henry F. Hensley and Dora Frazier Hensley. Henry was a hardworking man who devoted his life to his family, his faith, and to helping others. He earned an associate degree in Industrial Electronics through General Motors and was known throughout the community for his ability to fix nearly anything. Whether it was plumbing, electrical work, roofing, or general home repairs, Henry took pride in doing things the right way. Henry will forever be remembered as a true friend – and as the person one could go to whenever they needed a helping hand.
Henry was a devoted Christian and a faithful member of Paint Hill Baptist Church. His faith guided his life, and he was known for his quiet strength, kindness, and willingness to serve others. He enjoyed the outdoors and found great satisfaction in working the land. He kept a garden, and took pride in maintaining his yard. Henry also enjoyed hunting and fishing. During his time in Michigan, he hunted pheasants, and after returning to Kentucky, he enjoyed coon hunting. He also fished in the Detroit River.
Henry had a strong love of learning and especially enjoyed reading, with a particular interest in historical nonfiction. He was a talented carpenter by hobby and had a natural ability to visualize a project and bring it to life. He was quick with numbers and problem solving, which served him well in both his professional career and his many home projects. Henry valued staying connected with others and made it a point to check on his family and friends often. Henry also had a special bond with his dog, Nyx, who was his constant companion.
Henry believed in the importance of knowing how to take care of things and often shared that knowledge with others. He took time to teach, always willing to show someone how to do a job or a better and easier way to get it done. His lessons on hard work, self-reliance, and taking pride in what you do will be remembered by those who knew him.
Henry shared 57 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Cecile, building a life with her centered on faith, family, and hard work.
Henry is survived by his son, Larry Franklin Hensley (Michelle) of Washburn, Tennessee; his daughter, Brenda Hensley Leveille (Bob) of Alabama; his brothers: James Oscar Hensley and George Arthur Hensley; his sister, Judy Hensley of Michigan; his grandchildren: Kellee Weir, Meagan Hensley Whitworth, Johnny Weir, and Rebecca Hensley; his great-grandchild, Jaylen Hill; along with a host of other relatives and friends to mourn his passing.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Cecile Helton Hensley, and his sisters: Joyce Smith, Bonnie Mills, and Lorriane McGraw.
The Hensley family will welcome friends at Hopper Funeral Home, on Sunday, the 22nd of March from 11:00 AM until the funeral hour of 1:00 PM. Interment will follow in the Old Phipps Cemetery (Off of Stone Cove Road), Emmaunuel Hollow (Gray). The Hensley family has chosen as Casket Bearers: Clay Crider, Angela Hensley, Daniel Hensley, Derrick Hensley, Dustin Hensley, Dustin Whitworth. Honorary Casket Bearers are George Arthur Hensley and James Oscar Hensley.
The Hopper Family, Victoria Hopper and Sally Hopper, and the staff of Hopper Funeral Home – Mr. Robin Reese, Mrs. Lorena Blankenship, Mr. Reid Brewer, Mrs. Brenda Johnson, Ms. Quinlyn Chrisco and Mr. Steven Walker express our sincerest sympathies to the family and friends of Henry Hensley.
Hopper Funeral Home, established over 100 years ago, is in charge of servicing all arrangements for Henry Hensley.
To send a flower arrangement in memory of HENRY FRANKLIN HENSLEY, please click here to visit our sympathy store.
