Pastor Tommy Hensley, age 70, a resident of Oliver Springs, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 13, at Methodist Medical Center.
Pastor Hensley was born Nov. 16, 1942, in Harriman. He was a lifelong resident of this area.
Tommy was a well-known local pastor who loved the Lord, the Church, and his brothers and sisters in Christ. Preacher Hensley began his ministry at Walnut Grove Baptist Church in Decatur, Tenn. Following his service at Walnut Grove, he was the pastor at Childs Memorial Baptist Church in Harriman, the Petros Baptist Church in Petros, and the Kellytown Baptist Church in Oliver Springs, and he was currently serving for the second time as the pastor of Childs Memorial Baptist Church in Harriman for the past 10 years. While serving at Petros Baptist Church, he attended Carson Newman College and received a bachelor’s degree.
Tommy loved outdoor activities, raising cattle, taking care of his farm, and most importantly, spending time with his grandson, Houston.
Pastor Hensley was preceded in death by his parents, Dorsey and Carrie Walls Hensley.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Patricia Rather Hensley; by daughters; Melissa “Lisa” Jordan and husband David, and Susan Renee Hensley; by a grandson, Houston; by brothers, James R. “Jimmy” Hensley and wife Linda of Harriman, and Steve Hensley and wife Patti of Oak Ridge; and by sisters, Barbara White and husband Garner of College Park, Ga., Bess Alcorn and husband Ray of Oliver Springs, and Patsy Ervin and husband Doug of Hot Springs, Ark.
He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and a host of special friends.
The family received friends Sunday, June 16, at Childs Memorial Baptist Church in Harriman. The funeral followed with Pastor Mason Goodman, Pastor Don Long, and a special friend, Dennis Smith, officiating. Burial and graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, June 17, at New Fairview Cemetery in Oliver Springs.
Sharp Funeral Home is serving the Hensley family, and an online guest book is available at www.sharpfh.com.
Leave a Reply