Brown was born in Cane River, NC on February 18, 1934 to the late Carman and Litha (Blankenship) Hensley. He grew up in Tennessee before moving to New Jersey in his 20’s. He lived in West Orange before building a home in Chester where he resided for over 40 years. Prior to his retirement, he owned and operated Bill’s Service Station in the Vailsburg Section in Newark. Brown had a love for automobiles, appreciated listening and dancing to country music and enjoyed watching boxing and UFC matches, but ultimately he cherished spending time with his loved ones.
The beloved husband to the late Josephine Hensley, Brown is survived by his son, Michael Hensley and his wife, Stephanie; his daughter-in-law, Melissa Hensley; his grandchildren, Allyson, Erica (Kirsty), Erin, Payton, Sloan (Dan), Paige, Shelby and Lilly and his siblings, Ralph Hensley, Phyllis Jones, and Helen Goodman. Along with his parents and wife, his son, Billy Hensley and nine siblings predecease Brown.
A visitation will be held on Monday, May 1, 2023 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 16 Main Street, Branchville, NJ 07826. A funeral service will begin at 12 p.m. with interment to follow at Branchville Cemetery in Frankford Township.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made out to a charity of your choice.
