Rev. Ernest Hensley

Reverend Ernest Hensley was born August 6, 1931 and passed away on December 18, 2020. He was 89 years old at the time of his death and had lived a long and blessed life serving God. He was married to his childhood love, Gladys (Hamlin) Hensley for almost seventy years.

He was born in Smith, Kentucky and spent many years as an adult working in the Ford Motor Auto Industry. He was a retired member of the UAW.

His most cherished accomplishment in this life was his long-standing membership in the Full Gospel Fellowship through which he received and maintained his ministerial license. After serving as associate pastor and full-time pastor in Illinois for many years, he accepted a call after he retired and moved back to Smith, Kentucky to pastor the Full Gospel Fellowship Pentecostal Church of God, where he and his wife served for over 30 years.

Rev. Hensley passed away peacefully in his sleep after a short illness.

Ernest was the son of Enos and Annie Hensley of Smith, Kentucky.

He is survived by his wife, Gladys Hensley of Smith, Kentucky; his son Mark Hensley of Williamsburg, Kentucky, his daughter Judith Victoria Hensley or Harlan, Kentucky. He is also survived by grandson Jeremy Talmadge Bryson and wife Jennifer Saylor Bryson of Holmes Mill, Kentucky, great grandchildren Ethan and Ella Farley of Holmes Mill, Kentucky, and great grandchildren Alexander Talmadge Bryson and Maren Lynn Bryson of Newburgh, Indiana.

He is also survived by his sisters, Jurlean Britton of Smith, Kentucky, and Letha Shepherd of Garden City, Michigan.

He is preceded in death by one son, Timothy Jay Hensley; multiple siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and a vast number of family, friends, and loved ones.

Funeral services will be Monday, December 21, 2020 at 2 o’clock at the Smith Full Gospel Pentecostal Church of God with Rev. Eli Craig officiating. Burial will follow at Hensley Cemetery at Smith, KY. The family will receive friends from 1 o’clock until the funeral hour on Monday.

EFFECTIVE December 14, 2020 by the Governor’s mandate, visitation and funerals are limited to 50% of the church occupancy capacity. Face coverings are required at all times. Please use social distancing guidelines.

On behalf of the staff of the Henson & Rich Funeral Home we would like to offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family of Rev. Hensley during your time of bereavement.

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