John Terry Hensley

John Terry Hensley, 72, a country boy who became a world traveler for the oil industry, died Friday, July 17, 2026, leaving a larger-than-life mark in his wake – through coaching, Bible study, prison ministry, UM Army, Fellowship of Christian Athletes or simply chopping down trees in your neighborhood after a Houston hurricane. John suffered from failing health since COVID in 2020 but only recently was diagnosed with late-stage liver cancer. He died softly and peacefully with family and friends nearby.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 1, at Kingwood Methodist Church, 1799 Woodland Hills Drive in Kingwood, with a reception at the church to follow.

After being heavily recruited as a Lufkin Panther who played all sports, John left home on a full football scholarship and lettered four years, winning Lamar University’s outstanding freshman football player award. He continued to coach youth football and basketball and played softball for newspaper leagues while his wife was a reporter.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Denise Bray Hensley; daughter Laura Nash and husband Marcus Nash of Mont Belvieu; son John Travis Hensley of Houston; brother Robert Hensley and wife Susan Hensley of Arlington, Texas; and sister Mary Johnson and husband Rob Johnson of College Station.

A lifelong learner and mentor, John blended his leadership skills and faith-driven values to inspire others, whether in the boardroom, classroom or on the playing field. Later, he would say, the best part of his career came when he retired early to become the full-time caregiver for his first grandchild, Benjamin Gene Nash, and later for his granddaughter, Abigail Grace Nash. John’s daughter Laura continued her career as a special needs teacher, knowing her children would carry John’s legacy into the future.

Donations may be made in John’s memory to Kingwood Methodist Church. At the service, cards will be provided for stories of John’s influence to be shared for the family to read.