Our beloved Robert (Bob) Hensley, 71 of Spindale, NC, went home to be with Jesus on Monday May 18, 2020. Bob was surrounded by his family and close friends at Hospice. He was preceded through the Heavenly Gates by his parents Jason Claude (JC) and Ruth Marie Ruppe Hensley. Left to cherish his memory are his aunt Grace Ruppe of Forest City, many cousins from around the county, and children he had claimed as his nieces and nephews as follows; Lydia Ruppe, Rachel Ruppe, Joseph and Daniel Ruppe and Priscilla Ruppe. Bob was a lifelong member of Spencer Baptist Church. He was an active member there until his health started failing. He held many positions there including teaching Sunday School, serving as a Deacon, a member of the History Committee, Advisor to the Youth Council and a faithful Choir Member. Bob spoke many times of the joy his Sunday School group gave him. Bob enjoyed traveling whether it was with his friends or with his church. He also enjoyed Rook time with the family and spending time with the children. Bob was a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1970 and a Master’s Degree in Social Work in 1974. Bob was an avid Tar Heel fan! He loved his years at UNC Chapel Hill. He spent his life using these degrees to their fullest in North Carolina and helping with childcare and families. Bob’s contribution to the NC Department of Social Services include serving Rutherford County as a Social Worker from 1970-1975, then becoming a Social Work Supervisor for adult and child services to 1985, later becoming Social Work Supervisor for Children’s Services until 1985. Next Bob served as Polk County Department of Social Services Director from 1985-1989. Bob then served as Program Administrator for Children, Adult and Family Services in Cleveland County until 1999. At the later part of his career Bob served as a Local Support Manager, Social Services Program Consultant and last as a Team Leader for Regulatory and License Services in which he retired from the NC Division of Social Services in 2014. Bob was also a devoted to community involvement in which he served on Cleveland County Child Protection Team as Chairman, Cleveland County Smart Start Planning Committee and Cleveland County Smart Start Quality Day Care Committee. Bob was also a member of the Polk County Child Abuse Task Force, Rutherfordton-Spindale Jaycees, Boy Scouts of America- District Advancement Chairman and Assistant Scout Master. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Children’s Home of Cleveland County, P.O. Box 2053, Shelby, NC 28151. A private service for the family will be held 11 A.M., Friday, May 22, 2020 at Spencer Baptist Church with Rev. Bruce Caldwell officiating. The general public is welcome to participate remotely by viewing the service on the church’s Facebook live feed. Online condolences may be made at ww.crowemortuary.com. Crowe’s Mortuary is assisting the family of Robert Hensley.