Rodney Dale Dale Hensley

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Rodney Dale Hensley. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Dale was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.

       He was the son of Benjamin Harrison Hensley and Claudia Hensley. Dale was raised in Greeneville, Tennessee. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Dale was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Dale's personality throughout his life.

      Though Dale was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Dale was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Dale worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Dale was raised with eight siblings. He had Stacy, Ralph, Gene, Murleen, Dorothy, Elsie, Shirley, and Pauline. Dale and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

      Dale was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call his sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around his. Dale cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. On August 14, 1964 Dale married Imogene Johnson at Greeneville Courthouse of Greeneville, Tennessee. Compassionate and devoted, Dale worked hard to make his new life partner happy.

      Harmony was important to Dale and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. Dale was blessed with three children, one daughter, Angela; one stepdaughter, Rita; and one stepson, Dennis. They were also blessed with four grandchildren, Brad, Alex, Chelsey, and Meagan. Dale was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Dale was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. His secret of success in this area was simple: Dale would listen before he would act.

      Taking his work seriously came naturally to Dale, and he expected the same from those around him. Dale was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Dale was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Dale handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” His primary occupation was as a foreman. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.

      Blessed with a practical nature, Dale was a person who appreciated the routine of the military. He was a man who took his obligations seriously, working well with the others in his unit. Rodney was an Navy veteran. He was in the USS Canberra.

      A methodical man, Dale enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favorite pursuits were bird watching, gardening, all around handy-man, and watching TV.

      Dale was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth his best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Dale was always enthusiastic and a great team player. Recreational sports included hunting. Dale also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were an occasional football game.

      Not only did Dale enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. He rarely tired of going back and revisiting his favorite places. Favorite vacations included Myrtle Beach, Florida, and camping.

      Dale was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. His family was rounded out by his by his "grand dog", Bambi, a chihuahua.

      Since it was easy for Dale to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since he was practical and cost effective, Dale was ready when that day to retire finally came in 2002. In retirement, he found new pleasure in spending time with his family, bird watching, remodeling homes, and traveling in the RV. Even in retirement, Dale stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered him.

      Dale passed away on November 20, 2009 at Johnson City Medical Center in Johnson City, Tennessee. Rodney suffered a stroke which he was recovering from, but then developed a blood clot which traveled to his heart. He is survived by his wife: Imogene; daughter: Angela; stepchildren, Dennis and Rita; grandchildren: Brad, Alex, Chelsey, and Meagan Services were held at Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home. Rodney was laid to rest in Cherry Hill Cemetery in Limestone, Tennessee.

      Dale was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Dale was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Rodney Dale Hensley.