Rickey Dale Hensley, 62, went to be with Jesus, and waiting on him was his late wife Kit, his parents, and several siblings. He was surrounded by loved ones in the afternoon of May 14. He was a father figure to so many and a constant example of Christ-like love. A hard worker all his life, he never refused anyone in need.

He is survived by his fiancé of 3 1/2 years Michele Bodendorf, 4 children, Derrick Zeller and husband John, Josh Hensley and wife Summer (who was also his best friend), Aaron Hensley and wife Selena (with grandson August), and Sharee Hensley. Also 3 sisters, Vivianne Gaino, Louise Gentry and Deby Hensley, a brother Randall "Rusty" Dodd, as well as a lifelong friend Robert Dale Phillips, and many nieces and nephews and a whole community of informally adopted family.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Abundant Mercy Church, 3574 NC Hwy. 213, Marshall, NC 28753. Reverends John Burrell and John Zellar will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

Special thanks are given to Spruce Pine Hospital, Atrium Health Pineville and Madison Health and Hospice for their loving acts of service in Rickey's end of life transition.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org