Ernest Lowell "Cotton" Hensdill

Gettysburg, Penn.

Ernest Lowell “Cotton” Hensdill left this Earth November 6, 2018. He was born in 1935, in Kingsport, TN. 

Ernie lived much of his life in the Abingdon, VA area. Cotton was one of the starters of the Bethel High School basketball team winning the 1953 Virginia State Championship. Ernie served with pride in the US Army as an Artillery Staff Sgt. Following his time in service, he settled in Fairfield, PA, a place where he came to call home.  He shared his life with many special people, including his very special wife, Deborah Hensdill, whom he truly loved dearly. 

Ernie is preceded in death by his parents James and Flora, and brother Robert. 

He leaves behind his wife Deborah; a daughter Phyllis and Ernest Taylor of Wash.; a son Ernest Jr. and Irene of W.V.; grandchildren Elizabeth, Patricia, and Ernest Jr.; great-grandchildren Mariah, Levi, Lillian, and Lance, who is currently serving with the US Army.   He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, all who shall forever carry with them his sense of love and honor, humor and fun. 

Memorial services are to be held on Monday, November 12, 2018 at 1:00 p.m., in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA, with Rev. Keith Williams officiating. Burial will follow in Knollkreg Memorial Park where military honors will be conducted by the Army National Guard and Highland Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until time for service. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Those wishing to share memories and express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. The family of Ernest Lowell “Cotton” Hensdill is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA  24210 (276-623-2700).