Rev. James Michael "Mike" Hensley

James Michael (Mike) Hensley, 75, of Spartanburg, SC, passed away on April 21, 2025. Born on August 18, 1949, to Marshall and Inez Hensley of Lyman, he was a devoted husband of 52 years to Katherine Daves Hensley and a loving father to his three children.

Mike earned many credentials: gaining degrees from Gardner-Webb University in 1972, Southeastern Seminary in 1975, and ordination to the Christian ministry by Calvary Baptist Church in 1975. But his lasting superlatives were his generosity of time and attention, his adventurous spirit, his infectious laugh, his inclusive welcome, and his servant heart. While many pastors gain acclaim for their oratory skills, Mike’s quiet work brought life to God’s call to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

Mike’s calling was to Christ’s church, beginning at Calvary Baptist Church in Spartanburg as its youth minister from 1975 – 1979; Boiling Springs First Baptist Church as Recreation and Youth Minister from 1980 – 1992 and then as Minister of Christian Education from 1992-2001. In the spring of 2001, Mike was called as Calvary Baptist Church’s Senior Pastor where he served until 2004. He served as Associate Pastor of Church Administration at Morningside Baptist from 2006 until his retirement in 2012.

In retirement, Mike enjoyed traveling with Kathy, beautifying his yard, delivering mobile meals twice a week, cheering the Atlanta Braves on summer evenings, and spending time with his expanding family that grew to include seven grandchildren. Only pancreatic cancer could slow his pace and zest for life.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy; his three children, Matthew Hensley (Beth) of Richmond, VA, Emily Brown (Brent) of Spartanburg, SC, Martha Ann Callahan (Casey) of Asheville, NC; his two nephews Allen Genoble (Tracey) and Mark Genoble (Dalila). His legacy also includes his seven grandchildren: Jackson, Reese, and Haley Hensley; Hensley and Levi Brown; Brennan and Zee Callahan. He is predeceased by his parents and his sister Barbara Ann Bishop.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, April 25, 2025, Fernwood Baptist Church, 200 Fernwood Dr., Spartanburg, SC 29307. Services will be conducted by The Rev. Dr. Jon Barnes. The family will receive friends following the service. 

Donations in his memory can be made to Fernwood Baptist Church (https://fernwoodchurch.org/online-giving/) or Spartanburg County Mobile Meals (https://www.mobile-meals.org/donor-info).

An online guest register is available at www.floydmortuary.com

The J.F. Floyd Mortuary