Arlis Hensley, 74, of Wallins went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at his residence with his family by his side. Born April 26, 1949 in Harlan County, he worked at McCall's (the magazine) factory in Ohio for five years, then he moved back to Kentucky and worked in the coal mines until he retired. He always worked hard and provided for his family. He loved to serve the Lord. He loved his wife, children and grandchildren more than life. He was a wonderful husband, dad, a precious papaw, brother and a sweet friend. He loved to hunt, fish, and be in the mountains, especially with his son. Arlis graduated from James A. Cawood High School in 1967 and was a member of the Blackstar Pentecostal Church, where his brother-in-law and friend, J.C. Craig, is the pastor.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Moss Hensley and Rinda Hopkins Hensley; one son, Arlis Ray Hensley, Jr.; four sisters, Irene (Charles) Meeks; Ann (Sam) VanDeursen; Della Haywood and Geraldine Adams; four brothers, Cecil (Betty) Hensley; Jay Hensley; Gilbert (Betty) Hensley; and Wendell "Tubby" Hensley; and sisters-in-law, Pam Hensley and Birdie Hensley.

Arlis is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mildred Craig Hensley, Wallins; two children, April Simpson and husband, Robert, Wallins; T.J. Hensley and wife, Melinda, Wallins; two sisters, Betty Jean Parker and husband, Bob; Margaret Puleo and husband, Denny; two brothers, Eugene Hensley and Chuck Hensley; a sister-in-law, Henrietta Hensley; and a former daughter-in-law, Kristie Hensley. Also surviving are ten grandchildren, Evan and Ethan Simpson; Allison, Colten and Bentley Hensley; Collin Kirk; Landin, Payton and Noah Blackwelder; Lyndsey (Tyler) Collins; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A special thanks to Alli Simpson and Susan Hubbard with Hospice of the Bluegrass, and also Jimmy Garrett, Megan Short, and Bridgett Howard and also a special thanks to Michelle "My Belle" Jones for making house calls for haircuts and shaves.

Visitation will be held Saturday from 6 until 9 pm at the Harlan Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, April 7, 2024, at 2 pm in the Chapel of the Harlan Funeral Home with the Reverend Buddy Simpson and the Reverend Edmond Gross officiating.

Burial will follow in the Park Howard Cemetery at Wallins.

Pallbearers will be Evan and Ethan Simpson, Brian Parker, Allen Haywood, Rodney Howard, Albert Aure, E.J. Gross and Alex Greene.  Chuck Hensley will serve as an honorary pallbearer.

Harlan Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Arlis Hensley.