Dustin Lee "Dusty" Hensley

Dustin "Dusty" Lee Hensley

Dustin "Dusty" Lee Hensley, 34, of Limestone, passed away unexpectedly on June 15, 2025. Born July 21, 1990, Dusty grew up with deep roots in the soil of East Tennessee. He was a graduate of Chuckey-Doak High School, where he was heavily involved in FFA and could usually be found somewhere between the ag shop and the barn. His love of agriculture and animals shaped his life's path. After high school, he went on to earn a degree in Agriculture from Walters State Community College and then got to work doing what he loved – farming.

From raising animals to working his fields, Dusty ran the farm with a quiet confidence and a stubborn streak that served him well. He was quick to lend a hand, though not always quick to make conversation. He had a strong work ethic, and the uncanny knack for fixing almost anything with baling twine and a good guess. And if you knew Dusty at all, you knew he loved animals more than people… and if you were lucky enough to be in his circle, that probably meant you were one of the rare exceptions – maybe.

Dusty's life echoed the words of Paul Harvey's famous tribute: "So God made a farmer." He was the kind who'd be up before dawn, work until the sun set behind the ridge, and still take time to check in on a neighbor. He had "arms strong enough to rustle a calf, yet gentle enough wean pigs" and was "somebody who'd plow deep and straight and not cut corners." He was rooted deeply in his community and the farm land he worked.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Clyde and Bonnie Hensley, and W.C. and Vivian Baskette and very special friend Ray Street. He is survived by his parents, Larry and Jennifer Hensley of Limestone; his brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Matt and Claire Hensley of Greeneville; a special aunt and uncle Mike and Bev Hensley; special great uncle Carl Gentry; a tight-knit group of friends and neighbors; a special friend, Janna Mullins; 4 special animals that he considered his children, Pup, Rotty, Gizmo, and Anna Belle and all of his many animals.

Pallbearers include Bruce Tyree, Tim Smithson, Sam Young, Jason Southerland, Jeremy Southerland, Larry Crum, Mike Hagy, Mitch Laughn, Brian Gilland, and Larry Reaves. Honorary pallbearers will be Keith Painter, Doug Robertson, and the many friends who shared in Dusty's life, labor, and stories over the years.

Family will receive friends Thursday, January 19th 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Jeffers Funeral Chapel at Afton. The funeral service will follow at 7pm in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Gary Gentry officiating. Graveside service will take place on Friday, January 20th at 10:00 am in Graceland Memorial Gardens.

In Dusty's memory, consider doing something he'd appreciate: help a neighbor, check your fences, and feed the animals before yourself.