Obituary of John Paul Hensley

John P. Hensley, 88, passed away on Friday, June 14, 2019, at NHC HealthCare surrounded by family. Friends and family may visit at 1:00 pm on Monday, June 17, at Sullivan Baptist Church, 4152 Maplewood Street, in Kingsport. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 pm followed by the procession and entombment at Oak Hill Cemetery, 800 Truxton Drive, in Kingsport.

J.P. was born June 1, 1931, in Scott County, Virginia, and was the son of the late William Thomas and Clara (Calhoun) Hensley. His faith in the Lord Jesus Christ was the central focus of his life, and he shared his passion for God with everyone with whom he came in contact. Whether he was in church, at the Farmer’s Market, or in one of the many organizations of which he was a member, he freely shared the path to salvation with everyone he met. His legacy will be that true peace is found in a relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ. His gentle spirit, trusting heart, soft spokenness, and compassion is what made him a Godly man, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather as well as “the sweet potato” man. From sun-up to sun-down, he was found tending his garden, working with his trees, and selling fruits and vegetables for which the proceeds were used for the upkeep of the Hensley Family Cemetery.

He was preceded in death by his parents, the love of his life - his wife of 62 years - Grace (Harley) Hensley, and four brothers and sisters.

He is survived by his daughter, Brenda Hutchison (Eddie);  sons,  Michael Hensley (Vicki) and Billy Hensley (Angelia), 7 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren, brothers, James Hensley (Betty), Clint Hensley (Christine), and Thomas Hensley (Eva); sister-in-law, Frances Hensley; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the NHC HealthCare staff for their exceptional care and comfort provided during our time of need. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hensley Family Cemetery Upkeep Fund to 2445 Jennings Drive, Kingsport, TN 37660

The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm on Monday, June 17, 2019 at Sullivan Baptist Church in Kingsport. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 pm with Pastor Jeff Strong and Pastor Jerry Hensley officiating. Entombment will follow at Oak Hill Memorial Park in the mausoleum. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.cartertrent.com.

Carter-Trent Funeral Home in downtown Kingsport is proudly serving the Hensley family.