It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Dr. Ralph Willard Hensley, age 92, of Jonesborough, TN, passed away peacefully in Williamsburg, VA on Nov. 22, 2025. Ralph is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Janice Lee Hensley. He is also predeceased by his parents, Robert Hensley and Ada Carnes Hensley, and siblings, Leska Culbertson (Eddie), Roy Hensley (Dot), Raymond Hensley (Nina), Floyd Hensley (Betty), and Juanita Hardaway (Eddie).
Ralph was a wonderful, protective, and caring father and grandfather and is survived by his daughter Jill Hensley Swain (Rob) of Williamsburg, VA and his grandson Connor Swain of St. Petersburg, FL. He is also survived by siblings Curtis Hensley (Laura, Barbara), Della Grant (Don), Trella Sardo (Jim), Judy Gaylada (Keith, Bill), and many children and grandchildren of all of his siblings.
Ralph was born in Dickenson County, VA on May 22, 1933. He was recruited on a basketball scholarship and graduated with an Associate’s Degree from Hiwassee College in Madisonville, TN. Ralph was an Army veteran who served two years in Germany. He held various jobs in Richmond, VA and Detroit, MI before teaching and coaching at Vance Jr. High School in Bristol, TN, where he met and married the love of his life, Janice Moncier.
Ralph completed his BS and MS Degrees in Health and Physical Education from East Tennessee State University in 1960. He also completed his PhD in the same field at University of Alabama in 1974. Ralph joined the ETSU staff as a beloved professor and taught there over several decades until he retired in 1990.
Ralph was a founding member of the Jonesborough Ruritan Club. He worked alongside his many dear friends to organize and participate in charity golf tournaments, breakfasts, yard sales, and numerous events to raise money for those in need in their community and local organizations.
Ralph was an avid outdoorsman and immensely enjoyed hunting and fishing and all the wonderful fishing trips with his buddies and family. He also highly anticipated and had many fond memories of his annual camping trips with his brothers, nephews, and friends.
Ralph and Janice were members of Eden Methodist Church in Jonesborough. Special thanks go to Pastor Bryan Orchard and the members of Church for all their love, prayers, outreach and care for Ralph and his family. In honor of Ralph and in lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to: Eden Methodist Church, 1620 Mill Springs Rd, Jonesborough, TN 37659 (edenmethodist.org).
A graveside service to memorialize the life of Ralph Hensley, his passion for his family and friends, and his love of the Lord will be held in Section F at Monte Vista Memorial Park, 1900 E. Oakland Ave. Johnson City, TN on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 2:00 PM with Pastor Bryan Orchard officiating. Military honors will be rendered by the American Legion Post #3/265 from Kingsport and Gate City, and members of the Army National Guard.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the Hensley family by visiting www.montevistafunerals.com.
Arrangements especially for Dr. Ralph Willard Hensley and his family have been made through Monte Vista Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 1900 E. Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, TN; 423-282-2631.
