John Edward
Hensley, Sr.
John Edward Hensley, Sr. passed away on January 20, 2021. He was born on June 4, 1946 in Baltimore, Md. to the late Everett and Lillian Hensley.
He is survived by his wife, Sandy of 54 years; his daughter, Tracie Riley and husband Tim; his son, John Jr. and fiancé Michele Hart and children Anthony, Robbie, Sam and Tyler; a sister, Jeanie Jones; a sister, Linda Schmidt; as well as lifelong friends, Al and Pat Ramsburg; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was drafted into the Army in 1966 and spent two years at Ft. Bragg, N.C. After his honorable discharge as a Specialist 5 in 1968 he became a Baltimore City Police Officer where he was assigned to the Tactical Unit. He later transferred to the Eastern District where he was partnered with Al Ramsburg who became his lifelong friend. In 1975 he worked in the helicopter unit where he was an Aerial Observer helping the Officers on the ground. During his time as a Baltimore City Police Officer he was awarded many commendations. He resigned after ten years of service and moved to Delaware to become a property manager. He managed multiple properties for over 25 years. He was President of the Delaware Manufactured Housing Association where he was instrumental in the amending of the Delaware Landlord/Tenant Code while serving on the Governors Council.
In addition to enjoying spending time with his family he had many hobbies/interests. He was involved in Horse Racing for the better part of his life as an owner, groom and fan, racing horses at the Delaware/Maryland Tracks. He became a single engine pilot and enjoyed flying his own plane in and out of the old Milford Airpark. He later became twin engine rated. John was an avid golfer and he and John, Jr. won several DSGA tournaments. He also enjoyed shooting pool and was once the best pool shooter around. He enjoyed his Friday night card games with Tony, Teddy and Dickie G. For many years he also coached Little League and Big League in Harrington. He certainly lived life to the fullest and will be missed by all who knew him.
John will be cremated according to his wishes. A celebration of life will be planned for a later date to be announced. If you would like to make a memorial donation in his honor please consider a donation to Code Purple 1207 E. Division St., Dover, DE 19901 or online at http://www.codepurplekentcounty.com/ or the First State Animal Center and SPCA at 32 Shelter Circle, Camden, DE 19934 or online at https://www.fsac-spca.org/.
Cremation arrangements were made by Bennie Smith Funeral Home where you can visit their website www.benniesmithfuneralhome.com or Facebook page to share a memory of John or to plant a tree in his memory.