Charles Ernest Hensley (Chuck) passed from this life to his heavenly home on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at the Hazard ARH Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Chuck was born on April 29, 1950 to late Leo and Sally Hensley and was raised in Machine Shop Holler in Benham with his brothers and sisters who affectionately called him Brother Chuck.

As a young biker guy in Louisville, KY while eating at Frishes Big Boy he met a pretty little waitress who would become the love of his life and best friend. He would marry Cynthia Gail Willett on December 2, 1969. For nearly 57 years the two of them were inseparable. Together they had 4 Children, 7 Grandchildren, and 5 Great Grandchildren.

Chuck was always proud to let people know that he attended the University of Louisville, graduated from the Davy Crockett Tree Trimming School, and worked as a foreman at the General Electric plant in Louisville before moving back to Harlan County to work in the coal mines. He most proud to have been a minister of the gospel and believed in the Pentecostal faith. He performed countless marriages for family and friends.

Everyone that knew Chuck would tell you that he knew how to cut up and have a good time. His children spent a lifetime full of unique experiences with their dad. Those experiences would only increase in occurrence after the grandchildren were born. Grandpa was always up for an adventure or getting into mischief. Each and every grandkid had their own special moment, activity, or silly story with Grandpa. He was also known to make up nicknames for people he was close to and nobody really knew his reasoning behind the names and words he made up. He could walk on his hands, had all the latest gadgets, all the greatest toys and collectibles, and always ready to pose for a funny photo. Those memories are what will keep Chuck alive in our hearts forevermore.

The family is thankful for the care he received at the Tri-Cities Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and the ICU staff at Hazard ARH.

Along with his parents Chuck was preceded in death by a granddaughter Megan Brittany Hensley and a brother Ronnie “Runt” Hensley. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Cynthia Hensley, Children: Charles “Chuckie” Hensley (Elizabeth) of Lynch, KY, Betty “Princess” Jones (Ray) of Whitesburg, KY, Louise “Pooh Baby” Terry (Freddie) of Lynch, KY, and Ronnie “Monk” Hensley (Misty) of Cumberland, KY. Grandchildren: Hali “Pudder” Hensley, Drake “Bam Bam” Hensley, Cassandra “Little Princess” Gilliam, Caleb “Beaver” Terry, Seth “SefferDee” Terry, Leah “GeGe” Terry, RJ “ArGEE” Hensley. Five Great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026 from 12:00 – 1:00 with the funeral service at 1:00 PM at the Tri-City Funeral Home in Benham, KY. Interment will follow in the Huff Cemetery in Cumberland, KY.