Byrd Hensley, 78, of Dayhoit went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at the Johnson City Medical Center due to injuries of a mowing accident. He was born on November 12, 1947 in Harlan County. Byrd worked as a Geothermal Engineer for Parsons Well Drilling for many years. He was also a member of Immanuel Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hillard Hensley and Rosie White Hensley; and two brothers, Terry Hensley and Leroy Hensley.

Byrd is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sandra Lee Griffey Hensley, Dayhoit; three daughters, Ollie Helton, Pennington Gap, VA; Jennifer Rogers and husband, Keith, Somerset, KY; and Laura Browning and husband, Tim, Warsaw, KY; one brother, Perry Hensley, Dayton, OH; and two sisters, Barbara Mahalec, Cleveland, OH; and Paula McKivitz, Fort Myers, FL.

Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Ricky Lee Starrett, Amanda Jean Griffith, Johnny Simpson, Haley Johnson, Brianna McKnight, Connor Browning and Natalie Browning; and 13 great-grandchildren.

His visitation will be from 12 to 2 p.m. Monday, May 25, 2026, at the Immanuel Baptist Church with funeral services starting at 2 p.m. with the Reverend Arnold Martin officiating.

Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Resthaven Cemetery with family and friends serving as pallbearers.

Loyall Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Byrd Hensley.