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2013 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 588
Celebrating the life of David R. Hensley, Jr.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 11, 2013
Agreed to by the Senate, January 17, 2013

 

WHEREAS, David R. Hensley, Jr., of Martinsville, an admired educator and coach who shaped the lives of countless young men over the course of his career with his commitment to excellence, died on August 24, 2012; and

WHEREAS, a graduate of Martinsville High School, David “Dick” Hensley earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Richmond, where he started as halfback and wingback on the football team; and

WHEREAS, Dick Hensley also attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and received a master’s degree from the University of Virginia; he proudly served his country as a merchant mariner with the United States Maritime Service during World War II; and

WHEREAS, Dick Hensley began his exemplary career as a teacher and coach at Winchester High School in Winchester, Kentucky; he then became head football coach and commandant of cadets at Fork Union Military Academy and later, head coach and registrar at Hargrave Military Academy; and

WHEREAS, Dick Hensley worked briefly for E.I. DuPont before returning to Martinsville High School for several years; he served as head football coach at Patrick Henry High School and returned to his alma mater to become head football coach, athletic director, and assistant principal before joining Carlisle School as its headmaster in 1984; and

WHEREAS, a man of impeccable character, Dick Hensley taught his students and players many valuable life lessons on the field and in the classroom, emphasizing the importance of discipline, clean living, and striving to do one’s best; and

WHEREAS, Dick Hensley implemented offseason conditioning for his players and led his teams to five state titles, two state finals, and numerous district titles, compiling an impressive career record and establishing Martinsville High School as a Virginia High School League football powerhouse; and

WHEREAS, an active and involved member of the community, Dick Hensley generously gave his time and talents to numerous community service organizations; and

WHEREAS, Dick Hensley enjoyed fellowship and worship as a member of First Baptist Church of Martinsville and instituted a nondenominational Thursday Morning Men’s Bible Study that continues to bring together individuals of different faiths today; and

WHEREAS, in 1992 the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce awarded Dick Hensley its Heck Ford Award for his outstanding community service; in 2012 he was inducted into the University of Richmond Athletics Hall of Fame in recognition of his athletic accomplishments while a student there; and

WHEREAS, an outstanding role model, Dick Hensley, through his kind heart and strong presence, helped mold the characters of the young men he taught and coached over the years, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of service; and

WHEREAS, Dick Hensley will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Helen; children, David, Jonathan, Elizabeth, and Mary, and their families; numerous other family members and friends; and former students and players; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of an outstanding educator and coach, David R. Hensley, Jr.; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of David R. Hensley, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.