Ted Hensley Obituary (1953 - 2016) - Greeneville, Tennessee

Ted Hensley, 62 of Chuckey, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, February 9, at Wellmont Hospice House in Bristol, TN, while surrounded by his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Linda, son Dr. Theo Hensley and his wife Cori, daughter Carrie Riley and her husband Shone, stepson Eric Price and his wife Rachel, sister Sherry Hensley, sister-in-law Julia Hensley, sister-in-law Shelia McCallum, niece Erin Schultz, nephews Atticus and Ben Hensley, Aunts Mamie Hensley and Joyce Hartman, and grandchildren Carson and Kelsey Riley, Mason, Madison and Courtney Price, Cameron Waller, and Silas Hensley. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robie and Zetta Hensley and brother Steven Hensley. Ted was a graduate of Greeneville High School in 1971 and attended East Tennessee State University, where he studied Biology. He always wanted to be a teacher. He was an accomplished pianist who enjoyed playing classical music. In the 1970's, he played keyboard for the local band "Junction." Ted loved to sing in the community including the church choir at First Presbyterian Church where he was an Elder. He enjoyed flying airplanes as a private pilot. He established the local Experimental Aircraft Association #1355. He also enjoyed fishing, farming, and gardening/canning. He was on the founding board of the TN Solar Energy Association and established the TN Solar Energy Industries Association. He established Solar Source Inc. in 1977 and built solar panels for TVA. His solar equipment was highlighted on the TVA energy exhibit barge during the 1982 World's Fair in Knoxville. He was involved with large government projects all over the country including NASA headquarters and solar panels on the West Wing of the White House. In 1993, Ted was on founding board of Greene County Habitat for Humanity and served many positions over 8 years where he helped build 23 homes. He also served as president on the Opportunity House board. In 1995, Ted and his brother Steve had an idea for an area airpark. The first lot was sold in 2000. Hensley Airpark in Chuckey began as a 2000 foot grass airstrip and eventually became a 3000 foot paved runway surrounded by multiple lots and homes for pilots. He entered the real estate business in 1999 and later became an owner/broker of Century 21 Home Team from in Greeneville 2003-2008 and in Jonesborough from 2006-present. Ted was a constitutional scholar and a patriot. In 2010, he was elected to the 2nd District for the Greene County Commission and was re-elected again 2014. In 2015, Ted was recognized for his loyal and faithful service to the citizens of Greene County by the Greene County Republican Party. Ted wanted to share with his family and friends that he has now graduated from this earthly life and moved on to a Heavenly home where he will serve as an Angel Warrior. Ted's final message: "There is a world-wide spiritual war going on all around us. These battles are occurring within the hearts of the 7.12 billion people all across the earth. Without knowing that there is a true path, most are lost in the briars and darkness those paths lead to. It is up to each of us, while living, to shine the light of the Lord on those around us whose spirits may be in a dark places. We must help them get on the right path and renew hope for their future. Each one of us has been given a spirit. Each spirit has the capacity to soar like an eagle. We are to help one another, and we can only do this through our loving words and actions. The Lord and His love are the strongest forces in the universe. Use His strength to strengthen yourself, and then share that strength with those around you. This is what He would have us do. Love one another and let the Light of the Lord lead your way." Pallbearers include: Robbie Shelton, Clifford Hensley Jr., Atticus Hensley, Tommy Broyles, Johnny Chandley, and Shone Riley. Honorary Pallbearers: Dr. Maynard Austin, Dr. Patricia Conner, Dr. Greg Clarity, Dr. Tom Townsend, Dr. Perrie Ryan, Dr. Barnabas Hines, Dr. Nick Harman, Dr. David Marconi, Dr. Jason Hollis, Dr. Martha Cole, Dr. Melissa Robinson, and Dr. Chris Garner. Arrangements: The receiving of family and friends will be at Jeffers Funeral Home in Afton on Friday from 4-7pm. A celebration of life and graveside services will take place on Saturday at 2pm at the Horse Creek Church of God. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Keepers of the Motto group that Ted founded to place the national motto, "In God We Trust," in all government offices and school classrooms in Greene County. Donations can be sent through www.KeepersOfTheMotto.org or to "Keepers of the Motto" care of Linda Hensley at 1935 Earnest Rd, Chuckey TN 37641 To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Ted Hensley, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. print Print Obituary