Larry Joe Hensley

1956 ~ 2024

Date of Death: March 11, 2024

In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the Hensley Family. Larry's earthly temple is now resting in the care of Veasley Funeral Home. Revelations 21:4 says, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Larry Joe Hensley.

Sincerely,

Derrick Veasley ~ Director

Henry Veasley ~ Director

Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplain

Celebrating the Life of Larry Joe Hensley “Big Dude” AKA “The Overweight Lover “

Larry Hensley, 67, of Little Rock, Arkansas was born June 16, 1956, in Morrilton, AR to Mr. John Hensley and Mrs. Nemia Hensley. On Monday, March 11, 2024, Larry received the Master’s call to come to his eternal home.

Larry accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age at the Morrilton Church of Christ, Morrilton, AR.

In 1985, Larry married Wanda Robinson-Hensley in Plumerville, AR.

He was a current member of St. Mark Baptist Church in Little Rock, AR. He was a faithful volunteer with The Feast of Hope Homeless Ministry. He could always be accountable to assist were ever he was needed.

Larry was educated in the South Conway County School District in Morrilton, AR. While there, he made lifelong friendships because of his humorous and welcoming nature.

One of his best and most memorable attributes was the starting full back for the Two Time State Champions Morrilton Devil Dogs Football Team in 1971 and 1973. During this time the Morrilton Devil Dogs went undefeated with a 13-0 record by defeating the Stuttgart Ricebirds. In 1973, they became State Champions again with an 11-2 record by defeating the Brinkley Tigers who were ranked #1 in the State and who had an undefeated record of 12-0 which featured the #1 Running Back in the nation, Jerry Eckwood. The team finished and was ranked #4 Football Team in the State overall.

During Larry Hensley’s 3 years of his High School athletic career, the Devil Dogs overall football and basketball team records were a combined 112 wins and 11 losses. His athletic accomplishments had a combine 6 Regional Championships, and they never lost a Conference Game. They had combined 3 Class AA State Championships for a total average of 1 a year.

A Proud 1974 graduate of Morrilton High School, he continued his education and love of football by attending Butler County Community College in Eldorado, Kansas. He later transferred to Arkansas Tech University and matriculated to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

Larry continued to have a love for sports by following the Morrilton Devil Dogs Football team throughout the years, as well as The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions.

His love of people and life afforded him many job opportunities to assist the community and become a friend to many. His indelible spirit will be missed by those colleagues in Russellville, Morrilton, Baptist Health in Little Rock, the Veteran's Administration security team and his Masonic Lodge #9 Brothers. In his leisure time, he loved to detail his cars and trucks. So much so, his friends called him "extraordinary".

He is proceeded in death by his parents John and Nemia Hensley; one sister Ellen Jean Harris and two brothers King Edward Hodges and John Clifford Rogers; one son, Christopher Hensley.

Larry Hensley leaves to cherish his memories one son, Marcus (Laterial) Hensley of Conway, AR and one stepdaughter Amanda Robinson of Plumerville, AR; three grandchildren, Darrius, Marlaysia, and Javaree and one great granddaughter Emerysyn; one sister, Deborah (Deland) McCoy in Malvern, AR; a special nephew Barry Hodge in Wichita, KS; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Walk through visitation for family and friends will be held Friday, March 22, 2024 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm at Veasley Funeral Home.

Public viewing will be held from 10:00am to 10:45am, Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the Morrilton Senior High School Devil Dog Arena.

Celebration of life service will be held Saturday, March 23, 2024, 11:00am at the Morrilton Senior High School Devil Dogs Arena, 1310 Poor Farm Rd., Morrilton, Arkansas 72110.