Ralph T. Hensley, Sr. passed away at 11:31 a.m., Tuesday, March 3, 2014 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Monday, March 9, 2015 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana. Funeral services at the funeral home will be held immediately following the visitation at 1:00 p.m. Mr. Hensley's brother, William D. Hensley, and grandson, Benjamin Lee, will officiate the service. Burial will be held at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Champaign.

Mr. Hensley was born August 24, 1923 in Fulton, Kentucky to parents David and Grace (Atkins) Hensley. He married the love of his life, Mary Ellen Hursey, September 25, 1948 in Urbana. She preceded him in death September 11, 2012.

Survivors include children, Marilyn Myles, of Oak Park, Ralph Thomas Hensley, Jr., of Urbana, Rachel Hensley, of Bloomington, Sharon Lee, of Urbana, and David Hensley, of Urbana. Also surviving are siblings, Luella Brown, Edith Hensley, William Hensley (Evelyn), Peggy Brown, and Janie Smith (Robert). Ralph is also survived by grandchildren, Tanya DePeiza (Ryan), Benjamin Lee (Nikki), Raymond Myles, Jr., Maria Hensley, and great-grandson, Joshua Lee. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Charles Hensley, and grandson, Seneca Hensley.

Mr. Hensley enlisted in the United States Army in 1943, serving in Texas, England, and France during WWII. He was promoted to Sergeant, his rank at the time of his discharge. After his service, he worked for many years as an auto body repair technician at his business, "Ralph's Body Shop."

Though Mr. Hensley valued his military service and career in auto work, his true love was spreading God's word. Ralph was a pastor at the Green Street Church of Christ in Urbana. He was happiest when he was spreading God's word at church, in the company of his friends and family.

Mr. Hensley loved listening to gospel and jazz music. He was a gracious, kind man with a contagious smile. His values were evident in the way he treated others. Though he will be dearly missed, his family may rejoice that he lived a fulfilling, Christian life.

Memorial contributions may be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America at www.supportveterans.org. Condolences may be offered online at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.