Earl Hensley, age 82

Earl Hensley, age 82, of Caroleen, passed away Saturday, October 18, 2014.

Born August 2, 1932 in Burnsville, NC, he was a son of the late Burgess G. Hensley and Media Harris Hensley.  He owned and operated the Caroleen Upholstery Shop for fifty years and was a member of Grace Baptist Church.  Earl was an outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Michael Howard Hensley; an infant daughter, Linda Marie Hensley; six brothers and two sisters.

Survivors include his loving wife of fifty-eight years, Betty Wilkie Hensley; daughter, Linda Hensley Cruz and husband, Sig of Concord, NC; son, Earl Douglas Hensley and his companion, Jennifer Pasqua of Matthews, NC; one sister, Delithia Gauldin of Bassett, VA; four grandchildren which includes Amy Hardin Nelon (who was raised and treated like a daughter by Earl and Betty) and her husband, Rob of Rutherfordton, Chelsea Hensley of Bostic, Heather Hensley Warren and husband, Dustin of Forest City and Brianna Hensley of Jacksonville, NC; five great-grandchildren, Michael Hensley, Caden Hensley, Miles Hensley, Cashton Nelon and Hayden Sweitzer.

Funeral services were conducted at the Harrelson Funeral Chapel with Pastor Lanny J. Funchess, Mr. Sig Cruz and Mrs. Bonnie Perry officiating.  Interment followed in Rutherford County Memorial Cemetery.  

Memorial donations are suggested to Hospice of Rutherford County, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC  28043.

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.