Book of Memories for Robert Lee "Bob" Hensley

Story shared: Condolences to all that loved Bob Hensley

Fri, 22 May 2020 22:07:53 EDT

I am so sorry to hear about Bobs passing. I too worked with him while I was at the NCDSS and he was at Cleveland County DSS. Bob was original, funny and passionate about children and families experiencing the child welfare system. He also cared deeply about his staff and the hard work that they did every day. He was a strong advocate and great social worker. Safe and happy travels into the netherworld Bob. You will be missed in this one.

Condolence From Mellicent O'Brien Blythe

Fri, 22 May 2020 11:21:18 EDT

I had the privilege of getting to know Bob while he was at NC DSS and I was at UNC. He was such a kind and intelligent person and was a role model for all of us. He had the wonderful gift of seeing the humor in life and making us laugh without ever becoming cynical. He made a difference for so many families across NC. I will miss him. Sending my deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

Condolence From Raymond Lamb

Fri, 22 May 2020 09:17:48 EDT

Bob was a suitemate of mine at UNC-CH and a good friend then and ever since. He was always a delightful, smiling friend who added fun and vitality to every meeting. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to all family members.

Condolence From Lori Davis

Fri, 22 May 2020 09:07:23 EDT

Bob was a wonderful human, a wonderful leader, and oh so funny! He was one of the best managers I have ever had and I have so many funny memories of Bob. He had so much experience, knowledge, kindness and compassion. I will miss him. I am so grateful he is not in pain or suffering. I am sad we did not get to have that lunch we were planning. Peace and Love Bob.

Condolence From Lane Cooke

Fri, 22 May 2020 08:38:28 EDT

I worked with Bob for many years, when he was at Cleveland County DSS and I was at the NCDSS and then when he was at NCDSS and I was at the UNC School of Social Work. We were friends and fellow social workers. I found him to be a smart, sensible, and honorable social worker who genuinely and passionately served NC families and children for many years with love and compassion. He was TarHeel born and TarHeel bred!

Condolence From Lori Davis

Fri, 22 May 2020 08:05:21 EDT

Bob was a wonderful human. He was a wonderful supervisor and a wonderful example for all of us. He had a wealth of experience and knowledge and humor!!! He was so funny and very easy to work with. I will miss him. I am grateful he is not in pain or suffering anymore, but wish we could have had that lunch we were planning. I have so many good memories of Bob- too many to share. I will hold them close and remember him fondly. Peace and Love Bob!

Condolence From Rose (Jackie) Johnson

Thu, 21 May 2020 13:52:22 EDT

I had the pleasure of working with Bob he was a kind and loving man. He will be missed

Condolence From Sarah Horne

Thu, 21 May 2020 12:47:37 EDT

Bob was our friend for many years and a regular for Sunday lunch at our home when our sons were teenagers. We joked that I quit cooking when the boys left for college. Some memorable times were birthday parties for Bob on our deck! They were always a hoot! We’ll never forget the fun times visiting with Bob always leaving with smiles and laughter! Rest In Peace our dear friend. John and Sarah Horne

Condolence From Mark Horne

Thu, 21 May 2020 10:27:24 EDT

Bob was my assistant Scout master and a great friend. Thanks to Bob, he graciously agreed to chaperone a few of us to Chapel Hill for football games while we were in high school. He had a great sense of humor and will be missed. Thanks for sharing the pictures of Bob. My condolences to his family and friends.

Photo shared: Bobby Hensley and his parents.JPG

Wed, 20 May 2020 19:44:02 EDT

Bob Hensley and his parents

Photo shared: Bob Hensley.JPG

Wed, 20 May 2020 19:44:02 EDT

Condolence From Sharon Martin

Wed, 20 May 2020 18:43:54 EDT

Condolences, Love and Prayers to the FAMILY. BOB and I worked at CLEVELAND COUNTY DSS. He brought great Joy to the Work Place🌹

Condolence From Sherry Bradsher

Wed, 20 May 2020 18:33:03 EDT

Bob and I worked together for many years at the Division of Social Services. As we both had different roles, it was usually tough or unusual circumstances that brought us together to try and solve problems. There was a particular occasion when we were able to work on a project that from a regulatory perspective was "very progressive". He and I worked very hard to bring about a new, pilot foster care community for children in foster care. It was under his leadership where we first saw rules for foster care "soften" to promote "normalcy" for children living in congregate placements. He promoted normalcy before the word was officially "coined". He always led with a calm and compassionate spirit and it was with that spirit that he was able to accomplished so much throughout his career. It's been a little over a year since we last talked. I will miss him. With gratitude for for his life and what it meant to so many. Peace, Sherry

Story shared: Gracious exemplified

Wed, 20 May 2020 16:33:44 EDT

I first met Bob at a CW state conference. He was presenting on CPS work. I was new to NC and fairly new to CW. Fast forward a few years and a reorganization at NC DSS lands me as Bob's supervisor. I still remember the first conversation. Bob told me I did not need to know the content of the work, he trusted me and guided me to be better. We had a few difficult conversations, but always came out with a good result to improve the CW system. Miss you buddy!

Condolence From Kevin Kelley

Wed, 20 May 2020 16:26:17 EDT

Bob, we miss you greatly. You were so gracious to everyone while keeping a great sense of humor. Thank you for all your service to children and families. A life well lived, no doubt about that.

Condolence From Susan Sanderson Thigpen

Wed, 20 May 2020 14:29:06 EDT

To Bob's Friends and Family, I had the honor and privilege of working with Bob while we was with NCDSS and realize what a great loss his passing is. He taught me so much about licensing as well as the importance of balancing requirements with doing the right thing. He impacted the lives of many and will be missed. Susan

Condolence From John Carroll

Wed, 20 May 2020 14:15:39 EDT

Bob was my first supervisor when I started my DSS career in Rutherford County in 1985. He left after a few years to become director in Polk County. We later both worked in Cleveland County where he was the Social Work Administrator, and the best boss I ever had. He was a true professional and excellent leader. I appreciated that you always knew where you stood with Bob, but any advice or critique of my work he gave was given with respect and the desire to make me better at my job. I often find myself giving the same pieces of advice that Bob gave me. We all have that one person that had a big influence on our career, and Bob was that for me. He was a great leader, teacher and friend and will be missed.

Photo shared: HD297 Bobby Hensley.jpg

Wed, 20 May 2020 14:13:10 EDT

Photo shared: HD292 Bobby and Russell Hensley Apr 1955.jpg

Wed, 20 May 2020 14:13:09 EDT

Photo shared: HD278 Jun 1961 Edgar and Nell Ruth Edith and Bobby Hensley.jpg

Wed, 20 May 2020 14:13:07 EDT

Photo shared: HD273 Ruth and Bobby Hensley.jpg

Wed, 20 May 2020 14:13:05 EDT

Photo shared: HD265.jpg

Wed, 20 May 2020 14:13:04 EDT

Condolence From Jan Elliott

Wed, 20 May 2020 12:03:01 EDT

I am so sorry to hear about Bob. We worked together at various times over the years. I truly enjoyed knowing him and know he will be missed.

Condolence From Doug Huntley

Wed, 20 May 2020 11:25:16 EDT

I got to know Bob at R-S Central where we were both members of the Class of '66. He was always a very nice guy and a very intelligent individual. Although I haven't seen him in a number of years, his memory will be a pleasant one and my sympathy is extended to all his family & friends.

Condolence From Suzanne Gray

Wed, 20 May 2020 10:03:11 EDT

Dear Family-I am truly sorry for your loss. I got to know Bob while working with NCDSS many years ago. He was a delightful person with a great sense of humor. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Condolence From Jack Huss

Tue, 19 May 2020 17:19:14 EDT

To Bob's Family and Friends, May God Bless all in this challenging time. RIP "Spindale Boy" Bob.

Photo shared: Bob Hensley.jpg

Tue, 19 May 2020 03:36:35 EDT