Daniel “Danny” Harue Hensley, age 70, of the Bee Log Community, went home to be with Jesus on Saturday, April 17th, 2021 at Johnson City Medical Center.
Danny grew up with the nickname “Sampson” because of his incredible strength and courage. He met the love of his life, Debbie, when he was in high school. That love affair continued for 53 years, 48 of those as husband and wife. He loved family and was always up for getting together for a good meal, Gestures (this would be easier if you could use words!), or any occasion to celebrate – it didn’t matter as long as you were with family. He was the most devoted husband, son, brother, friend and co-worker that anyone could ever hope to have in their lives.
He loved life, he was always full on with whatever he did – whether it was working (which he loved) or playing – he did both with every ounce of energy he had. He loved to dance and he had the best moves of anyone on the dance floor. He loved to tease people and make them laugh. He could say things that most mortal people would never be able to say (and maintain any relationships) – but he did it straightforward and no one ever seemed offended- which always amazed those around him. He had a mischievous side and an often quoted line from him was “don’t tell Debbie.” What most people didn’t know about Danny was that he loved working in his flowers and always had the most beautiful yellow roses and a sundry of other flowers blooming almost year round. He loved to shop! We always thought it was Debbie, but it was he would go out to find the latest and greatest – he loved gadgets.
Anyone who knew Danny loved him. He was kind, funny, intelligent, generous and the hardest worker (in line with his dad – Harue – who instilled an incredible work ethic in all his children) that anyone could be. He was 70 years old and still climbing light poles! He had such an impact on people – most his family didn’t even know – because it wasn’t important for him to be in the lime light, it was always important to do what was right, true and what helped people! Danny you were loved by so many and our lives are better because you were a part of them. We will miss you more than words can say, but we have the hope and the promise, that we will see you again and never have to say good-by.
A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Harue and Blanche Wilson Hensley. He was also preceded in death by sisters: Donna Watts and Wanda Phillips; brother-in-law, Rick Fender and his wife, Donna and sisters-in-law: Rhonda Fender and Kathy Fender. Danny was a successful contractor with MB Haynes. He then chose employment with French Broad Electric where he was a dedicated Line Foreman for over 23 years.
Surviving is his loving wife of 48 years, Debbie Fender Hensley; sister, Renee Polk and husband, Don, of Redwood City, CA and Granite Falls, NC; brother, Tracy Hensley and wife, Tracie, of Bee Log; sisters-in-law: Mitzie Fritz and husband, Ron, of Bee Log and Shandra Ramsey and husband, Brian, of Mars Hill; brothers-in-law: Ronnie Fender and wife, Pam, of Bee Log and Randy Fender of Bee Log. Numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family also survive.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 23rd in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Rev. Aaron Jeffords, dear friend and co-worker, AKA “Big River”, will officiate. Burial will follow in the Rick Fender Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12 noon until 2 p.m. prior to the services at the funeral home.
To send an online condolence please visit: www.yanceyfuneralservice.com
