JESSE ALLEN HENSLEY

1924 - 2024

JESSE ALLEN HENSLEY
Jesse Allen Hensley, age 100, passed from this life on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at St Thomas West Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee surrounded by his family. He was born on March 2, 1924, in Three Sands, Oklahoma to Bessie Lenora Wyatt and Jesse Mathis Hensley. He was one of eight children, all who have preceded him in death. Inez Irene (Mary) Dungate, William Russell Hensley, Rena Louise Leedy, Clarence Levi Hensley, Betty Marie Bowling, Merle Edwin Hensley, and Joyce Elaine Van Auken.
Jesse was a proud Veteran of the United States Navy where he volunteered to serve in WWII from 1943-1946 as an Aviation Machinist's Mate, Second Class, VPE 100; Rescue Squadron 3 in the Pacific Theatre.
He married Ruby Francis Gregory on August 31, 1946. They had three children, infant son Eldon Russell Hensley, Gregory Allen Hensley, and Teresa Allison Hensley. Ruby and their children preceded him in death.
Jesse and Ruby moved to California in 1948, first to San Fransisco where he worked on tugboats- his favorite job ever, as well as construction. They moved to Norwalk, California in 1953 where they raised their children and spent the majority of their adult lives. He started with Royal Pipeline in 1957 and worked there until 1972 when the company closed. The same year he opened his own company- Pipeline Engineers, which he owned until his retirement in 1999.
He and his family spent much of their time at "The River House" in Bullhead City Arizona, where there are many fond memories for all. As an avid hunter he traveled to many places; Elk hunting in White Mountain, Utah. Dove hunting in Yuma, Arizona. Even an African hunting safari when he was 80 years old. He made a trip to France to honor his brother Russell, who served valiantly in the WWII as well. He and Ruby enjoyed many years of traveling the US and Canada in their motorhome together. He had a true passion for traveling and being in nature.
He is survived by his first granddaughter, Roxy Hensley Selzer and her husband Chris; second granddaughter, Rena Hensley Williams, her husband James and their children; his great-grandchildren, Thea Lynn and James Hardy; as well as daughter-in-law, Sharolette Hensley. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews. In the last few years of his life he lived with Roxy, Chris and Chris' mother, Jolene Dafoe at their home in Rickman, Tennessee, where they loved and cared for him.
Jesse, mostly known by Pop, was a man full of stories he was willing to share with anyone. His memory was beyond compare. Memories and stories he recalled from very early childhood, detailing life on the farm, accounts from his time in the service, and of course stories of the years spent raising his children taking them hunting, loving and traveling with his wife, and being a Papa to his granddaughters and great-grandchildren. He was a man who loved his family without hesitation and worried about others until his last moments. His passing marks the loss of one of the last members of "the greatest generation". His bravery and love for life will always be remembered.
A viewing will be held from 3:00pm to 7:00pm on Friday, December 6, 2024 at Wilson Funeral Home, LaFollette, Tennessee.
A service to honor the life of Jesse will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, December 7, 2024, in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in the Buena Vista Cemetery.