Hensley Leon Banks Sr. was born October 21, 1943 in Bethany, Louisiana to the late Ladell Banks and Essie Singleton. He grew up in Greenwood, LA where he graduated from Bethune High School before enlisting in the United States Army.

Hensley served honorably in the United States Army and the Texas Army National Guard for a total of 30 years where he received the National Defense Service Medal and numerous other military accommodations before retiring in 2003. He concurrently held a noble career with the United States Postal Service, retiring in 2003 after 37-years of service.

Committing his life to service, Hensley was a beloved member of his community and volunteered his time in a multitude of ways including president of the Centre Estates HOA. He was part of the City of DeSoto citizens patrol, as well as frequented the DeSoto Senior Center and Kiest Park Recreations as a volunteer. In his pastime, he loved fishing and bowling. He was an active member of the Texas Bowling League Association.

At a young age, Hensley committed his life to Christ at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Greenwood, LA. He became a member of Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church where he served faithfully in the ministry and was later fellowshipped in as a member of Friendship West Baptist Church.

Hensley was preceded in death by his parents Ladell Banks and Essie Singleton and leaves to cherish his memories, his wife of 58 years, Nettie Banks; sons, Hensley Banks Jr., Ladell (Artie) Banks and Altone Banks; daughters, Rosalind (Eric) Jones and Patra (Bennie) Shead; grandchildren, Sandy, Jasmine, Videl, Jasmin, Jaren, Lincoln and Biankah; great-grandchildren, Jaylon, Jordan, Jazmyn, Dayvon, Kartiae, Legend and Empryss and great-great-grandchild Jazlyn; sister-in-law Betty Moore; nephews, Louis Anderson and Eric (Keisha) Moore and a host of extended family and friends.