JOHN MICHAEL HENSLEY

John Michael Hensley, age 64, of Ducktown, TN, passed away on Thursday, September 10, 2020 in Chattanooga, TN.  He was born on April 29, 1956 in Norton, VA, the son of the late Harry Hensley and Mable Kaylor Hensley, and grew up in Norton, VA.

He was also preceeded in death by two brothers Stephen “Stevie” Hensley, and Walter “Rusty” Hensley.

John was a graduate of J.I. Burton High School class of 1974 in Norton.  He played many sports in high school including football (a member of the 72 State Champions), also played basketball, baseball, and track.

John attended and graduated from Campbellsville College in Kentucky with a degree in teaching.  He then earned his M.A. degree in counseling from Radford University in Virginia. 

John was a physical education teacher at Coeburn Primary School and coached baseball at Coeburn High School in the 1980’s. He worked as a counselor and retired from West Fannin Elementary as a school counselor.

He leaves behind four daughters Tara Hensley of Norton, granddaughter Taylor Hensley of Charlotte, NC, Heather and her husband David Ison of Big Stone Gap and their four children Mason Bailey, Aiden Bailey, Conner Ison, and John Silas Ison,  Bridgett Hensley of Big Stone Gap and her son Julian Smith, and  Hania Rucinska of Poland;  step-children Laura and John James and grandson Evan of Etowah, TN., Torrey Lester and his wife Katie and grandchildren Addie Kate, and Caedon of Ringold, GA.

John was married to his loving wife Kathi Hensley for 16 years; they lived with their dog Andi, and cat Peyton.  Children always gravitated to John as he was a kind and loving man. 

John was of the Christian faith and believed that each person’s spirituality was deep inside their hearts.

Family and friends are welcome to attend the graveside services that will be conducted on Friday, September 18 at 5:30 p.m. from Laurel Grove Cemetery in the Ramsey section of Norton.

The family will receive friends at the Akins Funeral Home in Copperhill, TN. on Wednesday evening, September 16 from 5 to 7 pm.  Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. 

Akins Funeral Home of Copperhill is in charge of the arrangements.