James AKA "Big Daddy" Kenneth Hensley Sr.

He was born December 27, 1947, in Beeville, Texas to Lewis Lee Hensley, Jr and Lonita Elizabeth Gentry Hensley Cochran. When he was 3 years old, the family moved to Henderson, Texas where he graduated from Henderson High School in 1966. On June 6, 1970, he married the love of his life, Susan Willard Hensley and on that day, they embarked on an adventure for the next 54 years. They moved to Austin where they made there home and raised their family however, his heart was always in Henderson, Texas. Kenny worked for 29 years for the Texas State Library and Archives. When he retired from the state, he went to work in the private sector working in the same profession for several years until he finally retired for good.

Kenny enjoyed spending time with his wife, Susan and two sons whether it be coaching them at Balcones Little League where he held multiple positions on the Board and made lifelong friends but most of all memories. Kenny enjoyed the outdoors whether it was Hunting, Fishing or just sitting around with friends and neighbors telling stories. His big thrill was he enjoyed having season tickets for many years to the University of Texas Longhorn football games. He attended numerous bowl games and National Championship games that the Longhorns have ever played in. Kenny was involved in Jamie and Wes’ extra-curricular activities at school, Aqua Fest for several years and he was involved in the First United Methodist Church.

Kenny was one who never met a stranger, he was a giving person not only of his time, but he would always lend an ear to listen to you, and he was also blessed with the gift of gab. He was a simple man who had a strong faith, but he knew he had his short comings, he tried to do better every day to always be a better man and the best example for his sons. Kenny enjoyed the holidays by dressing up as Santa Clause for countless children to spread Christmas joy. He enjoyed good food, playing 42 but especially he enjoyed fellowship. Kenny was a good husband, father, father-in-law, and especially “Big Daddy” to his four grandchildren.

Big Daddy is survived by his wife, of 54 years Susan Willard Hensley, Son, James Kenneth Hensley, Jr. (Jamie) and wife, Trinity of New Braunfels, Tx; Son, Wesley Willard Hensley and wife, Kelly of Round Rock, Tx; Four wonderful Grandchildren, who loved their Big Daddy dearly; Tripp Hensley, Brandt Hensley, Hannah Hensley and Hudson Hensley. He is also survived by his older brother, Lewis Lee Hensley, III and wife, Karin of Georgetown, Tx, Sister-in-law, Beth Miller and husband, Thomas of Dallas, Texas. Also, surviving Big Daddy are numerous nieces and nephews, several cousins and many loving lifelong friends and neighbors.

Kenny is preceded in death by his Father, Lewis Lee Hensley, Jr. Mother, Lonita Elizabeth Hensley Cochran, stepfather, Bo Cochran, Sister-in-law, Frances Hensley, Mother-in-law, Geneva Jo Willard and Father-in-law, Billy Willard.

Also predeceasing, Kenny was his lovable companion, Gracie.

The family ask that donations be made to the First United Methodist Church of Austin, the Austin Humane Society or the charity of one’s choice.

As we go on with our lives, Big Daddy would not want anyone to shed a tear but live each day to the fullest. It would be Big Daddy’s request that everyone wear your favorite team attire, although he would prefer you wear burnt orange.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Tripp Hensley, Brandt Hensley, Hudson Hensley, Bill Dyess, Curt Shaw, Noble Doss, George Lavas and Daryll Bennett.

The Family would like to extend a special thank you to Big Daddy’s Men’s Reunion Group. Also to be recognized are “Big John”, Isiah, Mary and his wound care Nurse, Meagan from the Center at Parmer for their compassion and care of Dad. The family would also like to thank Heidi from Seton NW.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 5416 Parkcrest Drive, Austin, Texas on October 25, 2024, at 10:30am with a reception following at the Funeral Home.

Burial of his remains to take place on November 22, 2024, in his hometown of Henderson, Tx at Strong Cemetery at 10:00am. A reception will follow at the home of Mike and Mary Lou Smith at 1615 McMurray Rd., Henderson, Tx.