General Hensley was born on May 9, 1946 in Middlesboro, Kentucky. He was the son of the late Luther General Hensley and the late Nellie (Miracle) Hensley. He served his country proudly during the Vietnam Conflict with the United States Army Airborne. General married Cheryl (Claphan) Lawson on June 18, 1995 in Monroe, Michigan.
For most of his life General drove a truck, an occupation that he truly loved. For the past thirteen years he delivered steel for Burnham Trucking of Ohio. General took a medical retirement in May.
General was blessed with two loving children: General (Melissa) Hensley Jr. and Renee (Eddie) Hunley both of Harrogate, Tennessee; and three beloved stepchildren: Daniel (Mary) Lawman of Washington D.C. and Patricia (Mike) Marrow of Brownstown Township, and David (Marcie) Lawson of Adrian, Michigan; two sisters: Justine Davis and Geraline Poff, and a brother: Leroy (Sandy) Hensley; as well as nine wonderful grandchildren: Derrick Miracle, Drake Scmarch, Dalton Lawson, Kyleigh Lawson, Luke Lawman, Henry Lawman, William Kimsey, Ashton Kimsey, and James Littrell.
General was the type of father that led by example. Hardwork was always a staple of his household. He also believed in loving his children, whether by being a great listener or lending advice. General enjoyed “bringing his family together”.
He had many other hobbies from which he derived pleasure including spending time outdoors either fishing or planting his garden with numerous flowers and vegetables. He also was a woodworker, and he enjoyed collecting many things such as: guns, letter openers, crosses, and rosaries.
General Edward Hensley Sr., age 62, of Monroe passed away, Sunday, December 21, 2008. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by a sister: Loraine Vankuren.
He will be remembered for his “firecracker personality”, his “stubbornness”, but most for his sense of humor and his big heart.
Friends may gather from 1:00pm until a Celebration of His Life at 5:00pm, Friday, December 26, 2008 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street, (734) 384-5185. Veteran’s honors will be under the auspices of Monroe VFW Post 1138, and the Rev. Kenny Spain will officiate. Cremation will follow through Southern Michigan Services in Livonia, and his final resting place will be at the family plot in Harrogate, Tennessee.
In lieu of flowers; memorials may be made to the Hensley family. Words of inspiration and comfort may be made online at www.merklefuneralservice.com and then selecting the Life Stories page.