Dr. Edgar Randolph Hensley

Dr. Edgar Randolph (E.R.) “Doc” Hensley, 93, of Waynesboro, died November 11, 2023, during a family visit to his childhood home in Monroe County, TN.

He was born in Tellico Plains, TN on July 30, 1930, to Walter Verlon Hensley and Anne Elizabeth Harrison Hensley. Doc was a graduate of Wofford College and the Medical College of Georgia, where he received his Doctor of Medicine in 1959. He established his medical practice in Waynesboro, GA. in 1960.

In 1957 he joined the U.S. Navy Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1963. After moving to Waynesboro, Lt. Hensley became a proud member of American Legion Post 120 Burke Light Infantry.

Dr. Hensley had a long and distinguished career in medicine. Doc served as University Hospital’s first Chief of the Department Of Family Medicine and was a life member of American Academy Family Practice. He was also a life member The Medical Association of Georgia. He served at Burke County Hospital and many additional hospitals over the years. After retirement he practiced part-time with Bonnie Jenkins MD at her Waynesboro office. He served as an Officer and Delegate of the Richmond County Medical Society.

Dr. Hensley was very active in the community and was a member and deacon of First Baptist Church of Waynesboro. He was a charter member of Quail Unlimited; a member of Augusta South Rotary Club; and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Edmund Burke Academy He also served on the Burke County Health Department board; and was a member of Sons of the Confederate Veterans; Waynesboro Jaycees; Waynesboro Exchange Club; Burke County Chamber of Commerce; and many more.

Doc was, above all, a family man. He was a much-loved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, affectionately called “Pawpaw.”

In addition to his parents, Dr. Hensley is predeceased by his son, David Randolph Hensley; sister, Mary Elizabeth Hensley; and brothers, Walter Reed Hensley and William Howard Hensley.

Dr. Hensley is survived by his beloved wife of 73 years, Laura White Hensley; his children, Debra Ann Hensley Rowell (Tommy), Barbara Hensley Howard of Augusta, and Craig White Hensley of Columbia, SC; grandchildren, Donald Thomas Howard Jr. (Meredith) of Kennesaw, Laura Kelly Howard Burns (Robert) of Scotland, Carrie Ann Rowell Sikes (Hud) of Waynesboro, Craig White (Whit) Hensley Jr., Grant Thomas Hensley and Lillian Grace Hensley all of Columbia SC; and great-grandchildren, Hensley Ann Hamilton, Donald Thomas Howard III (Tripp), Connor Michael Howard, Minus Finn Sikes, and Kaitlyn Savannah Burns.

A military graveside service was held November 13 at the Ebenezer Ball Play Baptist Church Cemetery in Ball Play, TN, and included a gun salute and Taps. A flag was presented by American Legion Post 120. In his final wishes, Dr. Hensley requested that he be buried in his black tuxedo, which he wore to weddings for at least 30 years and bemoaned its recent disuse.

A visitation will be held Saturday, December 2 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at DeLoach-McKerley-Prescott Funeral Home, 220 East 6th St., Waynesboro, GA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ebenezer Ball Play Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Roger Thomas, 43 Thomas Rd, Vonore, TN 37885; Edmund Burke Academy Library Fund, P.O. Box 787, Waynesboro, Ga 30830;  the American Heart Association; or charity of choice.