Ronald Hensley

Ronald Hensley, 79, of Candler, NC went home to the Lord on Monday, December 12, 2022.

The youngest of five children, Ronald was born to James William Hensley and Daisy Lee Redmon Hensley in Asheville on March 17, 1943, a few minutes after his twin brother, Donald. He graduated from Enka High School in 1961.

His passion for hunting and farming was deep rooted in his soul. Nothing brought him more peace and joy than to be in a hayfield on his favorite John Deere (2440) with his son, Bill, accompanying him (on a separate John Deere, naturally). His hat and toothpick were his trademarks. He and Ruby raised their children growing gardens, hay and tobacco while instilling the values of hard work, integrity and thanking the Lord for His provisions. Most of his career was spent as a steel fabricator. On his weekly field trips with Vickie, he pointed out specifics about all the cell towers his crew installed throughout the southeast. Quite the cow expert, he bought and sold many cows – always with a handshake as his bond. On a regular basis, his schoolteacher daughter would call regarding a child needing winter boots and a coat. She could set her watch that by lunchtime, Ronald and Betty would show up with an entire winter wardrobe for that same child (and John Deere hats, of course, for the entire class). He would be the first one out scraping snow for neighbors. He plowed many a garden for people in the community, always giving his thanks to God that he had the knowledge, the tools and the heart to help.

He had a sly wit with a sense of humor and never cracked a smile. His intensity and loyalty he had for God, his family and his community touched many hearts. His generosity extended to not just to his community, but even to people he never even met: he was on the board of the Hope Network, providing disaster relief, school supplies and Christmas to families in poverty. He and Betty were also active members of the State Street Baptist Church. They loved serving Jesus side by side. Betty was his best friend and travelling partner: they explored the US together, especially the Wild West, and never once used a map or planned an agenda.

He was preceded in death by his parents James William Hensley and Daisy Lee Redmon Hensley, sisters Norma Arrington (Fred) and Ruthe Lynton, brothers Lon (Mary) and Donald (Brenda).

Ronald is survived by his loving wife Betty, daughter Vickie Hensley-King (Ennis) and son Bill, along with his beloved grandchildren, Savannah, Garrett and James.

A special thank you for pastors Greg Warren and Terry Sprouse, and caretaker Amy Paleno and Hospice nurse Brandon Jochum.

Services will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, December 17, 2022, in the Chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home with Pastor Terry Sprouse and Pastor Greg Warren officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 5 till 7 PM at the funeral home.

If you are so moved, he would be honored by a donation to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as he loved children or Four Seasons Hospice, Hendersonville NC.

Anders-Rice Funeral Home is Honored to serve the Hensley Family.