Walt (Walter Joseph) Hensler of Carolina Shores, NC, passed away suddenly on June 24, 2024. He was born on December 13, 1946, in Pittsburgh, PA.
Walt grew up in Bethel Park (a Pittsburgh suburb) and graduated from South Hills Catholic High School in 1964, where he excelled at math and cross country running. He was a graduate of West Virginia University earning varsity letters in cross country and track as well as a master’s degree.
He began his teaching/coaching career at Parkersburg South High School in WV. He and his family later moved to Durham, NC, where he was a teacher, coach and athletic director at Northern Durham High School, respected by many at the school and in the community. He was blessed to witness his student athletes succeed in their endeavors, including his own two children, Chris and Erin.
When Walt retired, he and his wife, Sue (who recently celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary), looked at many golfing communities and decided on Carolina Shores, just north of the NC/SC border and close to golfing mecca Myrtle Beach. The couple immensely enjoyed the friends they made there and the rounds of golf they played. In their house, a sign reads “We interrupt this marriage to play golf.”
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Sue (nee Hale) Hensler, son Christopher Hensler (Sara) of Mooresville, NC, and daughter Erin Hensler of Raleigh; grandchildren Emma & Ella Hensler; sisters Judy (Dan) Moore and Fran Hensler; and brothers Bill (Terri) Hensler and Bob (Elisa) Hensler.
A celebration of Life will be held on August 3, 2024, at 2 pm at the Carolina Shores, NC, POA Clubhouse [http://carolinashorespoa.org/.]
13 Comments
Sue, I am saddened to hear of the passing of Walt. He was a true pleasure to work with. A kind, caring soul that loved talking to everyone. He knew no strangers. You and your sons are in my thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. Godspeed.
Annie Gilden
I heard from Boo that Walt had passed and just want you to know how sorry for you i am. Pete
My deepest sympathies. I have such fond memories of running track and growing up with you both as my pseudo parents. Running the penultimate lap killed us all; but Coach Hensler always grinned and sent us on our way. Words cannot express my love for you both.
Thoughts and Prayers for Sue, Erin and Chris and all that knew Coach. I wouldn’t have the life that I have today, if it wasn’t for Coach. He coached the right way and made it fun and I took those coaching tips and applied it to my career. RIP Coach and as he would always say…Run well.
so sorry for SUE and the kids. Worked with WALT for years, one of my best friends. He will be missed.
Sue, Chris, and Erin-
I was saddened and shocked hearing about Walt’s passing. He was such a fine man! You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if there is anything we can do or you need.
I’m so very sorry to hear about Walt’s sudden passing. I’m praying for strength for you all and sending lots of hugs.
I was sorry to hear of the death of Walt. We had a lot of respect for each other. We had a lot of respect for each other. We had alot of rivalry Northern vs Riverside. RIP we wlll remember you.
Margratha Y. Chambers
Sue, we are saddened to hear of Walt’s passing. We are sending prayers to you and your family.
Deepest sympathies from Carol and me
Joe and Carol Hooper
Sue, I was so saddened to hear the passing of Walt. He was such a pleasure to talk sports and life in general when we worked together…
I will miss having you and Walt coming in to play golf on Tuesdays. Condolences to you and your family…
Sue, We are so sorry to hear that Walt had passed. Always enjoyed working and spending time with him, With Sympathy. Regards,Midge, Mike and Gerry
To the Hensler family, So sorry to hear about Walt. My father, Weller spoke so highly of him and we enjoyed golf with Dick Wildt, Joe Joyce and Walt!!
Amen,
Jimmy Eaton
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