J. Fred Hensley, 86, was called Home in the early morning of Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023.
He was born to Reverend Clyde Hensley and Ruth Smith Hensley in Kenova, WV, October of 1936.
Fred attended Lewisburg High School, West Virginia University and Oklahoma State University where he obtained his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.
Having earned the Order of the Arrow rank in the Boy Scouts, Fred was an avid and accomplished outdoorsman. His many hobbies included fishing, boating, and hunting. He completed his Master Gardener program and neighbors always appreciated gifts from his gardens and fruit trees, gardening tips or an extra set of hands to work their land. Having earned his pilot license, he was also able appreciate the outdoors from above.
His Boy Scout experience undoubtedly lent itself to one of Fred’s most charming characteristics. He was celebrated for his ability to make, form or repair anything with whatever materials he had on hand. His creativity in doing so was seldom cited for its aesthetics but always got the job done. As a result, his name became a verb. One might “Hensley” something to fix it up the way they needed.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Margie Tarkington Hensley, and their children Dwayne, Pat, Amy and Christina.
He was preceded in death by his son, Jeremy in 1990 and his beloved dogs, Jack, Roxie, Scooter and Princess.
Fred passed peacefully at home in the loving company of his family in Punta Gorda, FL.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at https://baldwincremation.com/obituaries/j-hensley/
