of Little Rock, AR
August 2, 1941 - January 4, 2023
Dennis Doyle Hensley, a loving husband, father and "Papa" passed away peacefully January 4, 2023, at Little Rock's Veterans Hospital after a brief battle with pneumonia. Born August 2, 1941 in Murphy, Texas, Dennis was married to Mary Helen Spates of Ogden, Arkansas on March 23, 1967, who survives him along with his two children, Sheila and Chad and one granddaughter, Rebecca Caroline. Dennis is survived by his brothers, Donald and Jimmy Hensley; sister- in- law, Johnnie Sue Hensley; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Dennis attended Wylie High School in Wylie, Texas graduating in 1959. In 1964 Uncle Sam requested his service and drafted him into the United States Army where he served as part of the 1st Calvary, 1st Armored Division in support of the Korean conflict. His training was in Armor Intelligence, specializing in Armor Route reconnaissance. He received sharpshooter certification and was honorably discharged in 1970.
Dennis' professional life spanned 47 years in Information Technology with organizations including Safeway, Amtran, Kroger and the Arkansas State Health Department. He went back to college and graduated with an online Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science and Information Technology in 2002. Because he loved to work, he retired twice, once in December 2014 and again in October 2021, receiving a letter of accommodation from Governor Asa Hutchinson for his dedication and work ethic.
Dennis was the happiest when he was with his family and playing with his granddaughter and grand- dog. He simply could not sit still and loved working with his hands; he was constantly working around the house or at his daughter's house looking for something that needed to be repaired or rebuilt. He was a regular at Home Depot and made many friends as he walked the aisles looking for a tool or gadget that he did not already own.
He was a committed Christian and attended Pinnacle Church of Christ with his wife and daughter, where he developed many great and wonderful friendships.
Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Ora Mae Hensley; his siblings, Ernest, Bobby, Margaret, Oneida, Shirly, Erma and Eugene Hensley and other family members.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Pinnacle Church of Christ or the Out of the Woods Animal Shelter in Little Rock, Arkansas.
A Celebration of Dennis' life will be held Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 1 pm in the Chapel of Roller Chenal Funeral Home, visitation will follow.
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41 Condolence(s)
Keri Lafferty
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
I always smiled when Dennis walked into the room. He just had that way about him. It was always nice to get to work with him. He loved his family and work. What better can a person ask for My prayers go out to you for peace and comfort at this difficult time and always.
Doug Fleming
Sunday, January 22, 2023
I am sorry about the loss your family has gone through. It is a tough thing to lose a husband, father, brother, sister, friend, and even the knowledge their going home does not wipe away the pain left behind.
My sincere condolences.
Doug
Geoff Hight
Thursday, January 19, 2023
Prayers for the family of Dennis Hensley. Very intelligent, strong willed, and always spoke his mind. Loved talking about his ongoing home projects . It was obvious the abundance of love for his wife and family. He kept our ADH systems running and always brightened our day. Dennis will be greatly missed.
Natasha and Angela McPherson
Saturday, January 14, 2023
Sorry for your loss. Our prayers for your family.
Suzan Blair
Saturday, January 14, 2023
Dennis was such a dedicated and hard working man . He was a Jack of ALL trades and always had a project he was working on. He has truly been a steady and good force in our neighborhood —- and I’m sure everywhere else —-and will be greatly missed.
My condolences and love to you all.
Suzan Blair
Ron & Reba Wingfield
Friday, January 13, 2023
Dennis was such a good man and a great neighbor. He will be missed…
Tom and Vanessa Crow
Friday, January 13, 2023
Mary and Sheila, you're in our prayers.
We worked with Dennis at ADH, and he was always so funny, and polite. Loved to fuss about his honey-do's (even though he was very proud to do them!)
He will truly be missed.
Tanja Brown
Friday, January 13, 2023
To the Family, I am sorry to hear of your Family's loss.
Dennis was a pleasure to work with At ADH Area 8 and Central Region.
I'm sending peace and prayers for the Family.
Sincere Condolences.
Michael Connell
Thursday, January 12, 2023
My thoughts and prayers are going out to the family for their great loss! I know Dennis will be missed.
Bob and Mary Jo Cline
Wednesday, January 11, 2023
Dennis was a wonderful person. So glad to have known him. We are so sorry for your lost.
God bless all of you.
Paula M Purvis
Wednesday, January 11, 2023
I worked with Dennis for many years at ADH at the Central Region office, he was a pleasure to work with. He always asked me first thing in the mornings was "is the coffee ready", He always had new pictures to show me of his granddaughter and grand dog, or all the "Honey-Do" projects he was working on he was very talented. He loved his family dearly. I will miss him so very much. My prayers are with you all.
Keri Lafferty
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Dennis always brightened up the room when he came in it. I always enjoyed getting to work with him and see him. My thoughts and prayers for peace and comfort reach out to his family and friends at this time of sorrow.
Lisa Johnson
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Dennis trained me. He had taught me so much. I had never let a day go by to remind him that I am only able to do this job, because of you training me. Whenever I needed his help, he was always right there. He gave me Great advice as well. I truly meet an angel here on earth. I thank God for allowing me to have that opportunity.
Patty Booker
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Dennis was a pleasure to work with at ADH and he will be missed tremendously. Sending prayers for his family.
Kellye Brown-Nichols
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
My thoughts and prayers are with the friends & family of Dennis. I totally enjoyed working with him & talking to him...he had a great since of humor.
(((BIG HUGS)))
KellyeB
Krishna Hargro
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Mr. Dennis will be truly missed.
Russell Burns
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Mr. Dennis was true "Old School" in the best sense of that term. They don't make it like him anymore! RIP
Georgia E Moseby
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Mr. Dennis will be missed!! I had the pleasure of working with him and he was so great at what he did. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.
God Bless.
Linda Stuckey
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
joe earhart
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
It was a pleasure to have gotten to work with Dennis for many years, we loved his humor and he will be missed , prayers for peace and comfort to his family and friends
Cindy Eagle
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Prayers for strength and comfort during this difficult time. I worked with Dennis at ADH for many years. He was a wonderful person with a heart of gold, that would do anything for anyone. I'm glad I got the chance to know him as both a colleague and a friend. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Corinthia Blanks
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Dennis was a great gentleman and co worker . I love Dennis . I miss him so much . I had just spoke with him on phone he told me he miss me and don’t be a stranger call him when ever I want to I was one of the ones home liked lol he always said what was on his mine without biting his tongue. Love you Dennis you will be truly missed.
Keith Summerlin
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Dennis was a pleasure to work with. We had many early morning talks before work time. You will be missed my friend. As a brother in arms I thank you for your service. May your family find peace in the comfort of the Lord knowing you suffer no more.
Ruby Moore
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Prayers for the family. Dennis was a very nice man. A calm spirited man.
Ruby Moore, RN
Arkansas Department of Health-Freeway Medical Building
Angela McPherson
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
My thoughts and prayers are with Dennis' family and friends. He will be missed.
Ryan and Tina Lephiew
Monday, January 9, 2023
Paula Parish
Monday, January 9, 2023
My thoughts and prayers are with Dennis’ family during this time and the days ahead. May God give you peace and comfort through these sad times. I’m so sorry to hear of Dennis’ passing. I worked with Dennis for many years at ADH. He was the best IT person. My condolences to the family.
Pat Purifoy
Monday, January 9, 2023
I had the pleasure of working with Dennis for many years at AR Dept. of Health/Freeway Medical Bldg. Dennis was always someone you could count on. My thoughts & prayers go out to his family & friends. He loved his family & was always talking about their accomplishments. This man had an excellent spirit! God will have another wonderful angel in heaven! Warmest regards, Pat Purifoy
Maria Young
Monday, January 9, 2023
I worked with Dennis and got to know him a little bit. Prayers go out to his family!
Vickie Jones
Monday, January 9, 2023
I worked with Dennis for many years. Dennis will be truly missed. My prayers go out to his family.
Jerome Daly
Monday, January 9, 2023
From the reflection Dennis was always such a caring and thoughtful relative. Who was loved and will be greatly missed in the family. Let memories of this good soul be comforting, as he lived a perfect life, serving his God, family, country community. May his soul rest in eternity peace. and rise in glory. My prayers and thoughts continue to be with you and your loves ones.
Vicki Thompson
Monday, January 9, 2023
My thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. I worked with Dennis many years at ADH. He rarely called me anything but “Blondieâ€. While he did his IT work, he never failed to mention his family. You would hear the love for all of them in his voice. You will be missed.
Sonya Sampson
Monday, January 9, 2023
Thinking and praying during this difficult time. Dennis was such an inspiration. He was so knowledgeable and helpful. May he rest in love. My sincere condolences...💕
Roshada Taylor
Monday, January 9, 2023
Mr. Dennis will be truly missed. My deepest condolences to the family. Mr. Dennis was a wonderful, delightful and dedicated man. I first met him when I worked in the WIC Department for the State in the early 2000. I recently had the pleasure of reuniting with him again in late 2020-2021 when he came back to work for the State Health Department again. It was a pleasure and an honor to know such a wonderful man. Take your rest, good and faithful servant. God bless you.
Susan Starks
Monday, January 9, 2023
I had the pleasure of working with Dennis for many years. He was a true gentleman who served God. loved his family and loved his work. It was a blessing knowing him. Praying for all the family. Susan Starks
Stephen & Shelia Benson
Monday, January 9, 2023
Out thoughts and prayers are with you. You are not alone.
Dana Floyd
Sunday, January 8, 2023
Prayers for your family during this difficult time. I worked with Mr. Dennis at ADH. He was always one of my favorite IT guys and I missed seeing him when he retired. May the Lord comfort you all in the days ahead.
Doug and Vicki Lane
Sunday, January 8, 2023
Sandra Williams
Sunday, January 8, 2023
Ed and Chris Pyle
Sunday, January 8, 2023
So sorry that you and we have lost such a fine Christian man. He will be missed by many.
Linda Rhoden
Sunday, January 8, 2023
I got to work with Dennis when he would come down to Grant County Health Dept to help me with our computers. I always enjoyed our visits. He always talked about his wife. I am so sorry for your loss.