Ernest W Hensley III

Ernest Wagner Hensley III was born in Washington D.C. on March 14, 1940 to the union of Ernest W. Hensley II and Gladys Barbara Hensley (nee Harley) (both deceased), and enjoyed a happy life with them and his younger sister, Barbara L. Hogan (nee Hensley) (now deceased).

He completed his primary and secondary education, graduating from McKinley Senior High School in Washington D.C. in June 1957. A naturally, gifted musician, he was also a student at the Modern School of Music, also located in Washington D.C.

Upon graduation from high school, he joined the United States Air Force and served as a saxophonist in several Air Force held bands, including the 583rd Air Force band, 17th Air Force at the Ramstein Air Force Base in Ramstein, Germany, from August 1959 to September 1963. In 1967, he was selected to play tenor saxophone for the premier Air Force jazz ensemble “The Airmen of Note”, and performed as one of several featured instrumental soloists for the band until 1976, when he assumed the role as Director. He served as Director and lead alto saxophonist for the Airmen of Note until 1979, and performed with many legendary jazz artists, including Sarah Vaughan, Oliver Nelson, Joe Williams, Billy Taylor, Urbie Green, Clark Terry, Nancy Wilson, and Carmen McRae. During this time, he also appeared on

“The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson, on the Mike Douglas show and, in 1975, performed with the band at the Monterey Jazz Festival. He also taught saxophone for Howard University’s jazz studies program under the direction of Dr. Donald Byrd. He retired from the Air Force in 1979.

On May 15, 1967, Ernest married the love of his life, Carolyn Louise Hensley (nee Braxton), and from this union two children were born: Darryl Wagner Hensley and Angela Michelle Hensley. He lived in Maryland with his family until July 1979 when he and his family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in order to continue his career in music. He primarily worked with the Las Vegas Hilton Orchestra and Caesars Palace Orchestra, as well as numerous other musical groups. He also appeared on the “Muscular

Dystrophy Marathon” and the “People’s Choice Awards.”

Ernest was also a member of the Baha'i Faith and served the Las Vegas community as a member of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'i of Las Vegas.

He is survived by his son Darryl Hensley; daughter Angela Hensley; daughter-in-law Jill Hensley; granddaughter Cassandra Hensley; two grandsons Miles and Alex Hensley; granddaughter Jasmine Gibson; brothers-in-law Roger Hogan and Lou Boozer; sister-in-law Marisabelle Boozer; cousin Nancee Mack; and several other relatives.

Ernie was a dedicated husband, loving Carolyn for 51 years, a loving father, and a loyal friend. He was a kind and loving soul and lived his life with zeal and integrity. He will be sorely missed.