12/17/2025
Russell Malcolm Hensley, 77, of Woodman, KY passed away on Monday evening, December 15, 2025, while a resident of the Good Shepherd Post-Acute and Rehabilitation Center of Phelps, KY.
Born September 12, 1948, in Woodman, KY, Malcolm was a son of the late Charles Woodrow Hensley and Geneva Prater Lell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beatrice Hensley; step-dad, Leman Lell; brothers, Andrew Hensley, Millard Hensley, Elliott Hensley, and Ross Hensley; and brother-in-laws, Cecil Hurley and Wilson Davis.
Malcolm was of the Baptist faith and was known far and wide for a work ethic that never quit. He dedicated more than 52 years to the coalfields and job sites of the tri-state area as a Mine Foreman and Heavy Equipment Operator. He truly loved to work, and if there was a tough job to do, Malcolm was the one you wanted on it, especially behind the controls of an excavator, where he was simply the best. Just as naturally as he worked, he helped; Malcolm had a giving heart and would lend a hand to anyone he could.
Above all, Malcolm cherished his family, taking great pride in every generation. He leaves behind his loving children: Steven Hensley and his wife, Canella of Stopover, KY; Kyle Hensley and his wife, Sasha of Canada, KY; and Tammy Compton and her husband, Brian of Beech Creek–Phelps, KY. He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Tate Compton and his wife, China, Faith Compton, and Eric Blankenship; and by his treasured great-grandchildren, Kyeson Hensley, Millie Compton, Mia Compton, Miles Compton, Marlee Compton and Kingston Hensley. Also surviving are his sister-in-laws, Wanda Hensley, Danford Hurley, Beulah Hensley, and Elaine Davis; his brother-in-laws, Ron Smith and his wife Eleanor, Gary Smith, Benny Smith and his wife Trish, and Kenneth Smith and his wife Lois; along with a host of nieces and nephews who will forever carry his memory close
The family will begin receiving friends in the Woodman Community Church of Woodman Creek Road, Stopover, KY, on Thursday, December 18, 2025, and Friday, December 19, 2025, from 6 - 10 PM each evening, with special services each night beginning at 7 PM.
Honoring Services will be held at the church, beginning at 12 PM on Saturday, December 20, 2025, with Pastor Odis Blankenship and Bro. Delbert Hurley officiating. Burial will then follow in the Smith and Hensley Family Cemetery, with family and friends serving as pallbearers.
Expressions of sympathy may also be shared with the family by visiting www.chambersfuneralservices.com
Arrangements for the Russell Malcolm Hensley family are in the care of Chambers Funeral Services, Inc., in Matewan, WV.