Troy Hensley

StgMaj. Troy L. Hensley, USMC (ret.) passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at his home after an extended illness. Troy was born on May 11, 1939 in Wingate, Texas to Elward (Andy) and Ometa (Henley) Hensley. He followed in his daddy's footsteps and started work as a cowboy at an early age by learning to break horses. He attended numerous schools but graduated from Grant Union High School in Sacramento, California in 1957. A Marine recruiter offered him a hot meal while he was on the rodeo circuit and a Marine Corps career was born. A large portion of his career was spent at Camp Pendleton (CA) and at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego as a Drill Instructor. In addition to these assignments, he was also stationed in the Philippines and Okinawa, Japan. Additional assignments include Reconnaissance and Force Reconnaissance units, Special Advisory assignments, Brig Warden, Security Forces, and Mountain Warfare Instructor. One of the highlights of his career was his assignment as the Battalion Sergeant Major of the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, which is the most highly decorated infantry battalion in the history of the United States Armed Forces. He served two tours in Vietnam with infantry and reconnaissance units and Special Advisory duty in Laos in the 1960's. Sergeant Major Hensley held the Bronze Star Medal (with combat "V") with Gold Star for subsequent awards for Heroic Achievements, Purple Heart (with 2 awards), Naval Commendation Medal with Combat "V", Naval Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal (8 awards), Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, and numerous other decorations and awards. He was also a qualified Suba Diver/Instructor and received the Marine Corps Parachutists Gold Wings. Troy retired from the Marine Corps in 1979 at Camp Pendleton. Troy was very active with the Non Commissioned Officers Association and reached the highest elected rank of Grand Knight which is part of an advisory group of the NCOA. His work with the NCOA in the mid 1980's brought him back to Wingate from California and allowed him to do an extensive amount of public speaking about the NCOA. During this time, he helped start the Annual TET Reunion, which is held every February in Abilene for Vietnam Veterans. What started as a group of 8 guys talking about the good old days turned into an event that brings hundreds of veterans from all over the US to Abilene. Troy is a Past Master of the Wingate Masonic Lodge and past District Deputy Grand Master. After his employment with the NCOA, he helped very special friends, Hollis and Betty Dean, with their catering business and restaurant, The Shed. He was preceded in death by his parents and his youngest brother, Gerald. In 1987, Troy married Vicky (Marshall) Hensley in Wingate. They were married for 35 years. In addition to his wife Vicky, he is survived by his daughter, Kameta Boucher of Jacksonville, FL; his daughter Sheila (Chris) Taylor of Abilene, TX; and his son, Troy Hensley Jr., of Chula Vista, CA, 2 granddaughters and 2 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Harold Hensley of Lubbock and sister Eva Lou (Dickie) Hoffman of Graham; cousins Patsy Robertson of Abilene, Steve Henley of North Carolina, Zane Hensley of St. Augustine, FL, numerous nieces and nephews, along with his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Janet and Lenny Schroth of Monaca, PA. He wanted to include some very special people that were like family also, Tim and Heather Morse, and their son Daniel of Canon City, CO and Patrick Morse of Ocala, FL; and Bob and Nancy Ast of Emporia, KS. A very special thank you to Interim Hospice of Abilene. They are truly angels on earth and were there every step of the way. We loved every one of you who had a part in his care and in keeping him comfortable in his last days. A Celebration of his life will be held a Fort Chadbourne, Bronte, TX on March 19th at 2:00 p.m. Donations in his memory can be made to the NCOA Scholarship Fund, 9330 Corporate Drive #708, Selma, TX 78154.

Troy Hensley

May 11, 1939 - February 1, 2023