Cecil Roger Hensley, age 69, of Alexandria and Mount Vernon, became ill with Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in January 2006 leaving him unable to walk. He battled many illnesses until passing away at his home on May 12.
Mr. Hensley was born Nov. 26, 1937 in Buncombe County, N.C. to the late Welzie and Grace Hensley. Roger grew up in Barnardsville, N.C. He married Martha Smith in August of 1956 and they moved to Washington, D.C., where in 1960, he joined the Alexandria Police Department. As a member of the police department, he was assigned to the Patrol Division, K-9 Division, Detective Bureau, Vice/Narcotics and Intelligence Divisions. Mr. Hensley was one of the first K-9 officers for the Alexandria Police Department, training four police dogs during this assignment. He retired in 1984, after serving 24 years. Mr. Hensley became employed with the Virginia Department of Corrections in 1995 assigned to the Alexandria Adult Probation and Parole Office as a Surveillance Officer and retired again in December 2005.
Mr. Hensley and his family lived in the Del Ray area of Alexandria until 1977, when they moved to Mount Vernon. He was a member of the Del Ray United Methodist Church.
Mr. Hensley loved playing his guitar and working in his yard. He enjoyed spending time with his four grandchildren and he was proud of their many accomplishments. Roger was preceded in death by his wife, Martha who died in March 2000.
Mr. Hensley is survived by his daughter, Carol Adcock-Stearns, of Alexandria, and son, Richard Hensley of Berkeley Springs, W.Va.; four grandchildren, Shawn Adcock of Alexandria, Ryan Stearns of Alexandria, Rickie Hensley of Berkeley Springs, W.Va. and Aleece Hensley of Berkeley Springs, W.Va. In addition to his immediate family, Mr. Hensley is survived by his brother, Harry Hensley of Barnardsville, N.C. and many family members in the Barndardsville area. Mr. Hensley is also survived by many friends, and brethren in law enforcement.
Those who wish to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, 400 7th Street, Suite 300, Washington, D.C., 20004, in honor of National Police Week and the brave men and women who serve.