Charles Samuel "Chuck" Hensley

Charles Samuel “Chuck” Hensley, 79, passed away at his home on June 24, 2026.

Chuck is survived by his son, Charles “Sam” Hensley and his wife, Megan; his daughter, Sarah “Katie” Hensley, and grandson, Walter Coyt Hensley; his sister, Eva Hensley Massi; his nieces, Rachel Barker and Rebecca Milne; his cousins, Barry Oswalt and Alvin Oswalt; and his beloved dog, Jimmy Dean. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Sarah Hensley; his cousin, O’Brien Oswalt; and his brother, Walter Coyt Hensley.

Chuck was far from perfect and would have been the first person to tell you so. What he was, however, was genuine. He loved the simple things in life: puffing on his pipe and drinking Folgers coffee while sitting on the porch, a good crockpot meal, finding a bargain at Tractor Supply, and dreaming about the mountain cabin he someday hoped to build on the piece of land he proudly bought. His kids loved dragging him to strange restaurants and random movies, and although he’d spend the drive there reminding everyone how expensive it was going to be, he always came along.

He was a remarkably patient and kind man who cherished every phone call and visit from his family, always showing understanding whenever the busyness of life got in the way.

If you judged Chuck by first impressions, you’d never guess all the lives he lived. He served his country in the United States Navy as a radio mechanic, worked as Deputy Director of the North Carolina DMV after a gubernatorial appointment, owned PC Good Times, a bar in Raleigh, North Carolina, worked in sales for Curtis Industries, and was the lead singer of the band Fabulous Affairs, opening for acts such as Chicago and The Marshall Tucker Band.

Chuck returned to Troutman, North Carolina, the town that was always home. There, he devoted years to caring for his mother, a role he considered one of the most important of his life.

Ten years ago, Chuck faced what many thought would be his greatest challenge. After major heart surgery and a devastating stroke that left him paralyzed, his doctors at the VA called him their miracle patient when he walked out of the hospital just three months later. His determination (and stubbornness) surprised everyone except those who knew him best. The years that followed were quieter but no less meaningful. From his front porch, surrounded by family and friends—especially his cousin Barry Oswalt and close friend David Kennedy—Chuck continued doing what he did best: listening to stories, cracking jokes, and making people feel welcome.

Our family is forever grateful to the incredible teams at the Salisbury and Kernersville VA Medical Centers. Their compassion, skill, and care gave us precious years we otherwise would not have had.

Dad, we lost our biggest fan. We will miss camping trips, picking on one another, road trips in search of the best barbecue, singing “My Girl” in the car, and the best hugs in the world. You may have thought of yourself as ordinary, but you were extraordinary at loving us. Give Uncle Walter and Granny a hug for us. We’ll miss you forever.

The family will hold a private celebration of Chuck’s life. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Purple Heart Homes in Statesville, North Carolina, which provides housing and home repair services to local veterans.

Arrangements for Mr. Hensley are in the care of Troutman Funeral Home.