David Wayne Hensley

David was preceded in death by his father Doyle, mother Martha, stepmother Edith, grandparents Virgle and Onilee Hensley and Helen and George Livingston, stepbrother Dwight Ratley, cousins Tim Hensley and Scott Livingston, aunt Mary Haun, as well as uncles V.L., Don, and Gene Hensley.

David is survived by his loving wife of 26 years Christel; loving sister Dena (Ray) Pickney; father and mother-in-law Doug and Judy Laing; sister-in-law Mary Beth (Chris) Romani; stepbrother Jeff (Regina) Ratley; sister-in-law Rita Ratley; aunts Diane (Jack) Whitted, Brenda (Jim) Malone, and Charlotte (Bob) Hensley; uncles Marshall (Martie) Livingston, Joe Livingston and a host of nieces and nephews and cousins whom David loved and adored.

As a child, David loved fishing, playing outside, and riding dirt bikes. He loved his Tennessee Vols, Alabama Roll Tide, Dallas Cowboys, and NASCAR racing. David graduated from Sparkman High School in Huntsville, Alabama in 1985. He married the love of his life Christel Diane Laing in 1996 in Dallas, Texas.

David had a heart of service and was a man of outstanding character who served his country in the United States Air Force for 21 years beginning his career in Petroleum Oils and Lubricants and retiring as a Space Operator in 2016. He served abroad in Germany and Greenland, but perhaps the highlight of his career was when he served for four years in a leadership role as a Military Trainer at the United States Air Force Academy. He was a respected leader and cherished mentor who impacted so many people and made hard work fun and rewarding. David was a life-long learner and was pursuing an MBA at Colorado Christian University at the time of his passing.

David cared deeply for all who were privileged to be called his friend or family. His kind heart, servant leadership, and trademark sense of humor put others at ease and made the world a brighter place. He was the life of every family celebration and his love for his family was evident in the way he supported each of them and took pride in their accomplishments.

Family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Weaver’s Chapel on Monday, April 3, 2023, with a Celebration of Life service to follow. Family and friends will meet Monday at Edgewood Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. for interment. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse (www.samaritanspurse.org). Memories are welcome at weaverfuneralservices.com.

Weaver Funeral Home

5815 Western Ave.

Knoxville, TN 37921