Harry Draper Hensley, loving husband and father, passed away on August 22, 2024 at King's Grant at the age of 87 years. He was born on July 15, 1937 in Martinsville, VA to Everett and Harrie Draper Hensley.
Harry earned his teaching degrees from Bluefield College (Associate's degree), the University of Richmond (Bachelor's degree), and the University of Virginia (Master's degree). He was a gifted teacher for 43 years with the Martinsville City Schools. He took great pride in his community and spent many hours tending his flower gardens.
Harry was married to Virginia "Jenny" Hite Hensley and they enjoyed 54 years together. They had one daughter, Elizabeth Hensley Wood, and a bonus daughter, Nancy Stoudemire. Harry and Jenny enjoyed extensive traveling with special friends, Ron & Pat Austin and Randy & Dottie Robertson. Harry and Jenny were members of First Baptist Church and also attended Starling Avenue Baptist Church.
Harry was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Eddie and Robert Hensley. He is survived by his wife, daughters, grandchildren, Chloe and Katie Schmitz;, sons-in-law, Steven Wood and Randy Schmitz; and nieces, Kathy Chalflinch and Harriet Price.
The family will receive friends at Collins-McKee-Stone Funeral Home in Martinsville, VA from 12:30-2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 27. A funeral for Harry will be conducted at the funeral home at 2:00 p.m. with Dr. Dennis Knight officiating. Musical selections will be presented by Kathy Chalflinch in honor of her uncle Harry. A private graveside service will follow for family.
The family would like to express their gratitude for the special and loving care provided by the King's Grant staff and Mountain Valley Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, we are proud to establish the Harry D. Hensley Memorial Scholarship Fund at Patrick and Henry Community College. This scholarship will honor a dedicated and beloved teacher of the Martinsville school system. Harry dedicated his life to education, nurturing and inspiring countless students throughout his career. His passion for learning and commitment to his students left a lasting impact on everyone he encountered in the classroom and beyond. He was a mentor to countless teachers and was an unwavering source of support for all who were fortunate enough to know him. His legacy is etched in the hearts of the students, colleagues, and the community that he so deeply loved.
Contributions to the Harry D. Hensley Memorial Scholarship Fund may be made online at http://patrickhenryfoundation.com (please note “In memory of Harry D. Hensley”). Checks can be mailed to P&HCC Foundation, 645 Patriot Ave, Martinsville, VA 24112. Please make checks payable to P&HCC Foundation and include “In memory of Harry D. Hensley” in the memo. If you have questions, please contact the P&HCC Foundation at (276) 656-0250.
McKee-Stone Funeral Home, Martinsville, Va. is serving the family. To express condolences on line, please visit wwwcollinsmckeestonemartinsville.com
