Jerry E. Hensley, passed away on October 8, 2026, in Gainesboro, Tennessee. He was 69 years old. Born on July 9, 1957, in Gainesboro, he remained connected to the community he called home throughout his life, and he will be remembered for the steady, kind, and honest way he carried himself.
He enjoyed logging and took pride in honest work. The outdoors was also a meaningful part of his life, and he loved to deer hunt and ride back roads. Those simple pleasures brought him happiness and reflected the peaceful, hardworking spirit that defined him. Jerry appreciated the beauty of the world around him, and he found joy in the familiar places and routines that made life special.
Special thanks to sister Lynn for taking care of her little brother.
Family was important to Jerry, and he leaves behind a large circle of loved ones who will cherish his memory. He is survived by his sisters, Jean Brown of Baxter, Tennessee, Cheryl and Danny Lee Spivey of Baxter, Tennessee, Lynn Hensley Manier of Baxter, Tennessee, Cat Barlow of Cookeville, Tennessee, Ebbie and Jimmy Connor of Cookeville, Tennessee, and Sam and Mark McCall of Carthage, Tennessee. He is also survived by his girlfriend, Beck Burgess of Baxter, Tennessee.
He is also remembered by his nephews, Michael Hensley, Lewis Brown, Larry Brown, Harold Lynn Brown, David Brown, Paul Brown, Tony Corner, Anthony Spivey, Jacob Hudelston, Zach McCall, and his special friend, Kaleb Anderson of Tennessee. His nieces include Kristi Manier Lafever, Tara Manier Rodgers, Tish Waller, Tracey Halfacre, and Morgan McCall Cooper of Tennessee. Their lives were touched by his kindness, and his memory will remain a lasting part of the family story.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Evert Hensley, Jr., his sister Wanda D. Corner, his sister-in-law Jan Jackson Hensley, his brothers-in-law Dewey Lee Corner and Edward Lee Brown, and his nieces Benny Lee Corner and Nicole Hudelston. Their reunion is now part of the sorrow and the hope that surround his passing.
For those who knew him, Jerry will be remembered not only for the life he lived, but for the way he lived it. He was a man of faith, a man of the outdoors, and a man who valued family, friendship, and hard work. In a community that knew him well, his absence will be deeply felt, and his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him.
Visitation will be on Monday 10 am to 2 pm at Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held on Monday October 12, 2026 at 2:00pm in the chapel of Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home with Bro. Stan Gant officiating. Burial will follow in Byers Cemetery.
Nephews will serve as pallbearers.
Memorial donations may be made to Byers Cemetery by contacting the funeral home.
Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931) 268-1550
