Ralph Hensley

I hate that I didn't find out before now about Ralph's death... As a youth I worked for him diligently and enjoyed and loved working with and for him. Everything from bailing hay and alfalfa, to cutting acres of tobacco. He was a sharp also religious man but he was a man that could always get a smile out of you and make you laugh. His laughter filled the room as well. When he left everyone heard it. This man never went without a friend how I wish that I could been at the service, and...

I called Ralph the Mayor of Bowmantown. Everyone in the community knew and Loved Ralph. When he walked into our monthly breakfast at the Bowmantown Ruritan we all yelled Ralph! Kinda like Norm in Cheers.

It seems I have known Ralph all my life. His wife, Joy Gail, was my sister Frances's best friend. We went to Bowmantown Church together. I double-dated with Ralph, Joy Gail, and their baby, Terry. Through the years we did not see one another often. It was always a happy homecoming when we met again. The last time was earlier this year when my nephew, Jason, and his wife, Kim, stopped to visit on their way through this area. Jason, Kim, some family members and Ralph had breakfast...

Ralph started calling me Trish back in the 1980´s and I´m sure going to miss hearing him call me that. Ralph has been a father figure to all of us and a papaw to all of the kids in our family. We are going to miss him being with us on holidays, birthdays, and cookouts. He always had a seat at our table. I have so many great memories of Ralph. Too many to post but my family won´t be the same now that he´s gone. I love you Ralph. Always have always will. We are confident, I say, and willing...

He had the sweetest spirit about him