Aron Glen Hensley

Mr. Hensley was born to the late Furman and Alice Willis Hensley in Yancey County July 5, 1925. He moved to Catawba County when he was 19 to work in the lumber business and later worked in the furniture industry as a cabinet maker for Southern Desk and Century Chair. He enjoyed being outdoors whether hunting, gardening, or raising cows and chickens.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded by his wife of 62 years, Irene Asherbraner Hensley, a son Tom Hensley, a granddaughter Kimberly Hensley LaBoy, two sisters, three brothers-in-law, and his beloved dog Ginger.

He is survived by four children, Don (Becky) Hensley of Denver, NC, Gene Hensley of Hickory, Ray (Pat) Hensley of Newton, and Glenda (Dick) Foster of Granite Falls; six grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren; two sisters and two brothers-in-law, Martha and C.L. Proffitt of Sylva, Grace Patrick of Zephyrhills, FL, and Bob (Teresa) Asherbraner of Newton; and numerous nieces and nephews, whom he greatly loved.

Mr. Hensley was a long-time member of Mountain Grove Baptist Church in the Mountain View community before joining Providence Baptist Church, Hickory, his wife’s home church. He also enjoyed his membership in the Tri-County Coon Club, where he won many trophies of which he was very proud.

Mr. Hensley was known for his unique humor (“Daddy-isms”) and his signature laugh (“ Huh-huh-huh”). He wore caps for years and was never without one. A number of outings were put on hold when his driver had to return to his house to get his forgotten cap. That changed, though, at Christmas 2016, when he received a black wool cowboy hat with leather trim. The caps were put aside, and he sported that hat everywhere. In fact, at home, in restaurants, and at Abernathy Laurels, he would say, “Let me put on my hat so everybody will know me.”

In his final years, he was cared for by a number of “angels” who willingly worked long hours for minimal compensation because they loved caring for him. These ladies brought joy and laughter and made the long days seem shorter and brighter. Because of their love and devotion to their “buddy,” they will serve as honorary pallbearers at his funeral. Jo Boone, Kathy Coffey, Krista McCorkle, Phyllis Westbrook, and Sue Wilson became family to the Hensleys and will always be remembered.

In Mr. Hensley’s final months, he was loving and respectfully cared for by the staff at Abernathy Laurels as was his family in the last days of his life. Trays of food and carafes of tea and coffee were brought along with hugs and prayers, and many tears were shed by these “angels” when his final breath was taken.

Services for Mr. Hensley will take place at Providence Baptist Church on Providence Church Road, Hickory, Friday, October 19, with receiving of family and friends from 2:00 until 3:45, the funeral at 4:00pm conducted by the Reverend Ernie Richards, followed by burial in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to the Providence Baptist Church Building Fund at Providence Baptist Church, 7618 Providence Church Road, Hickory, NC 28602.