Jessie J. Hensley, Jr.

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Jessie James Hensley, Jr., of Laurel, Maryland died on June 13, 2025, at the age of 72. Born in Kingsport, Tennessee to Jessie James Hensley, Sr. and Joan Nelms, Jessie was a 1970 graduate of Dobyns-Bennett High School in Kingsport, Tennessee, and went on to attend both Kings College in Bristol, Tennessee, and the University of Maryland, College Park, graduating with 2 bachelor’s degrees in 1972 and 1977, respectively.

Jessie went on to join the United States Air Force, later attending Officer Training in 1979 and achieving the rank of Major before his retirement in 1992 after 20 years of dedicated and faithful service. While in the Air Force, Jessie met Sue Reed, and the couple wed on July 24, 1976, and remained married until his death just shy of their 49th wedding anniversary on July 24, 2025. His wife, Sue Hensley, also served in the United States Air Force from 1973-1989. Jessie achieved a Defense Meritorious Service medal with one oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service medal with two oak leaf clusters, Aire Force Commendation medal, Joint Service Achievement medal, Air Force Achievement medal, Air Force Good Conduct medal with one oak leaf cluster and National Defense Service medal with one Bronze Star.

In addition to many awards and achievements, Jessie also served two tours on the Island of Crete, Greece in the mid-1970’s as an Arabic Linguist. He also served as a signal intelligence officer at Ramstein AFB in Germany in the mid-1980’s. In between tours overseas, he worked at the National Security Agency, Ft. George G. Meade, Maryland as well as the Pentagon. Upon military retirement, he worked with various DOD contractors as a Senior System Engineer and Technical Advisor.

Along with his decorated military career, Jessie loved to spend time with his family. He is predeceased by his parents, Jessie James Hensley Sr. and Joan Nelms; beloved daughter Sarah Battles; sisters Linda Calton, Patty Hobbs, and Deborah Hensley. He is survived by his dear wife, Sue Hensley; daughter Melissa Claire Hensley Lazar (Tommy); brother Pete Hensley (Shannon); sisters Kathy Hensley and Jean Calton (Junior); additionally, Jessie leaves behind dear friends and colleagues.

Relatives and friends may visit the Donaldson Funeral Home, P.A. 313 Talbott Avenue, Laurel, Maryland 20707 on Monday, July 30, 2025, from 6-8pm to pay their respects to Jessie and his family. In lieu of flowers, Donations may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Laurel, Maryland or Kingsport, Tennessee.

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Boys and Girls Club of Laurel
701 Montgomery St, Laurel MD 20707
Tel: 1-240-832-8859

Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kingsport
P.O. Box 784, Kingsport TN 37662
Tel: 1-423-230-4160