Edgar Wayne Hensdell, Jr., better known as "Eddie," passed away at his home in Independence, on January 28, 2024.  Eddie was a much-loved and well-known member of the Independence Community.  He was born in Independence on March 5, 1948, to Edgar Wayne and Ila Mae Hall Hensdell.  He graduated from Independence High School in 1966.  Eddie began his public work at Parsons Motor Company as a mechanic and then to Nautilus. Within a few years, he joined his brother's growing construction company which became known as E & R (Eddie and Randall) Construction.  By 1987, Eddie and his wife became the owners and operators of E & R Oil Company.  Many will remember the accommodating and neighborly way they operated E & R Oil Company serving the town of Independence and Grayson County with retail oil.  Eddie was a competitive and naturally gifted Drag Racer.  His many competitions won him several awards.  He made many friends through his long racing career which spanned from the late 1960's to 2020.  He was a member of the Independence Fire Department with an impeccable record of having served over 30 years.  He could enjoy a good game of golf without taking the game too seriously.  In his retirement years, he continued his interest as an automobile enthusiast.  He was able to locate the 1953 Dodge Pickup that his father had purchased when Eddie was a child.  The next several years were spent in an unsurpassed restoration project under the direction of his good friend, Stan Mathis.  The ending result was a great source of pride for Eddie and a "show stopping crowd pleaser," for other car enthusiasts. While Eddie lived a full and adventurous life, he was most proud of his family and enjoyed time with them. He and Darlene enjoyed traveling throughout the west.  In addition to being a devoted husband and loving father, his greatest source of pride was his grandson, Chase.  Every conversations with Eddie include something about "the apple of his eye."  Eddie was a man of great faith and was always willing to share his faith.  He was unwavering in his dedication to God and his life depicted this until his final hour.  He was a talented piano player and singer and used his talent for the upliftment of the kingdom singing many years with the Pleasant Grove Quartet.  For the past 11 years, he has been a dedicated and loyal member of Mt. View Baptist Church where he was always eager to participate in all church activities.  While his family and the town of Independence mourns this great loss, all believers may rejoice in knowing that Eddie has made it home to the safe shores of Heaven.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Darlene B. Hensdell of the home; his son, Craig and Janie Hensdell of Independence, VA; mother, Ila Mae Hensdell of Galax, VA; brother, Randall and Nancy Hensdell of Independence; beloved grandson, Chase Hensdell of Independence; Aunt, Anna Lee Hall of Elk Creek, VA; uncle, Jimmy Holdaway of Independence; two nieces, Micky and Lee Morris of Galax, VA and Sherry and Ernie McGuire of Galax, VA; great-nephew, Joey and Ronni Sharpe of Independence; special friends, Roger Hash and Rick McLean; several special friends and cousins; and two very special fur babies, Piper and Josie.

Celebration of Life Services will be conducted on Thursday, Feb. 1 at 3:00 PM at the Mt. View Baptist Church Family Life Center with Pastor David Osborne, Craig Hensdell, Chase Hensdell, and Roger Hash officiating.  The family will receive friends from 1:00-3:00 prior to the service at the church.

Flowers are appreciated or memorial contribution may be made to Independence Volunteer Fire Department PO BOX 588 Independence, VA 24348 or Mt. View Baptist Church 112 Mountain View Road Independence, VA 24348.