Robert (Bob) Hensley, age 87, went home to be with his precious Lord and Savior, and was happily reunited with his wife, Ivy, on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Dominion Senior Living in Athens, TN. Bob was born in Chatsworth, GA, on May 27, 1936, to Estel and Inez Hensley. He was the oldest of six children, four of whom preceded him in death: Kenneth and Tommy, Carolyn and Kathy. His surviving brother, Dale Hensley, resides in Dallas, GA.

Bob attended Etowah High School where he met the love of his life, Ivory (Ivy) Teague. They were married for sixty-one years and had three children: Janice (Donny) Anderson, Mark (Sarah) Hensley, and Chris (Susan) Hensley.

Bob loved and served his country for twenty years before retiring from the Tennessee National Guard. During his service, he attended officer training school, and through hard work and perseverance, he attained the rank of major. He was honored to retire as Major Robert Hensley. He also worked at Bowater Papermill for thirteen years in the maintenance department where he met and made many friends. After retiring from the Tennessee National Guard, Bob worked for the L&N (CSX) Railroad as a conductor.

During his years of retirement, Bob was able to spend time pursuing his love of woodworking. He was a true craftsman and built many pieces of custom furniture and cabinets for his family and friends. He proudly used his skills to help with the restoration of the historic Gem Theater in Etowah, TN.

Bob gave his heart to the Lord at an early age. He had a Christlike character, living a life of integrity, selflessness, and steadfastness. He was a godly example to all who knew him. He was a member of East Athens Baptist Church and attended when his health permitted.

Bob loved and was proud of his family. He is survived by his three children, Janice, Mark, and Chris; six grandchildren: David and Matt (Lynzie) Hensley, Christen (Brent) Anderson Freeman and Kourtney Anderson Shartle, Jessica Hensley and Lyndsey (Ryan) Harris. He is survived by nine great grandchildren: Madison and Brady Hensley, Luke and Sylas Hensley, Jasper Hensley, Anderson, Ivy Kate, and Josie Freeman, and Murphy Mark Harris.

The family would like to thank his one-time caregiver, Louise Green, the nurses, staff, and residents of Dominion Senior Living for the love, care, and friendship extended to him during his stay there, and Hospice of Chattanooga for the care and comfort he received during this past year.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, May 13, 2024 in the chapel of Bordwine Funeral Home, with Rev. Jack Bryan officiating.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., Monday prior to the service.

Interment will follow the service in Green Hill Cemetery with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101, stjude.org/memorial.