R G Hensley's Obituary
R G Hensley, 88, a long time resident of East Texas, passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2002, at ap-proximately 12 Noon, following a brief illness. RG was born on July 19, 1913, in Alto, Texas, to Tom Mor-ris and Velma Hensley.
Mr. Hensley is survived by his wife Kathaleen Williams whom he married August 27, 1935; son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Mary Hensley of Houston, a daughter and son-in-law, James and Barbara Modisette of Longview; sisters: Marcy Lang of Jacksonville and Ruth O?Donnell of Memphis, TN; brother and sister-in-law: Sam and Estaleen Hensley of Jacksonville, double first cousin, Marguerite Evelyn Plumbo of Dallas; sister-in-law and spouse, Lela Mae and Woodroe Moore of Houston; grandchildren: John Philip Modisette of Atlanta, GA., James Bret Modisette and wife Della, of Grand Prairie, Jay Hensley Modisette of Longview, Tom Morris Hensley and wife Stacy of Houston and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends.
Mr. Hensley was a member of Elmira Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Spring Hill, which he joined shortly after moving to the Longview area from Jacksonville in 1945. He had served for many years as an elder and Sunday School teacher. Previously, he had served as an elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Jacksonville.
Mr. Hensley?s 30 year career in public school education began in 1935 and ended in 1965. For five years, he served as a teacher in the County School of Enterprise, Texas. He then served for five years as Jacksonville High School Assistant Principal, after which he became Spring Hill High School Principal, and served in that capacity for five years. Finally, he served as superintendent of Spring Hill ISD for 15 years. Summer employment in the early years included managing to-mato sheds in Jacksonville.
Mr. Hensley retired from public schools to accept a position with the United States Government as director of a Job Corps Center in Parker, AZ. After serving in this capacity for two years, he was transferred to Washington, D. C. to become Director of Job Corps Programs under the Bureau of Indian Affairs. In this capacity, he was responsible for the organization of vocational schools for Native Americans throughout the USA. He simultaneously served as a general educational consultant during the Johnson and Nixon Presiden-tial Administrations.
He retired from these positions in 1971, returned to Longview, and became co-owner of First Reality Real Estate Company. Until retire-ment in 1985, he specialized in land sales for new business sites.
Mr. Hensley?s accomplishments include being instrumental in passage of a landmark educational milestone, the Gilmer-Aiken Bill, and assisting in establishment of the East Texas Teachers Credit Unionnow East Texas professional Credit Union. Additionally, he took a leading role in establishment of Spring Hill State Bank.
During his public school years, Mr. Hensley was active and held many offices in Parent-Teacher Association, Texas State Teachers Association, East Texas School Men?s Club, and other professional organizations. RG was also a Mason, and active charter member of the Spring Hill Lion?s Club.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, April 24, 2002, at 10 AM in Elmira Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Spring Hill with Reverends Jimmy Cantey and Fred T. Lang officiating. Interment will follow in Elmira Chapel cemetery.
The family will greet friends at Rader Funeral from 6 PM to 8 PM Tuesday.
Those who can not attend services may wish to sign the online memorial book at www.raderfh.com.
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