VIRGIL LEE HENSLEY
25 October 1953 - 9 July 1997
Virgil Lee Hensley was raised in Alger, Ohio by Ed Hensley Sr. and Ada (Hurt) Hensley. He had eight brothers (Larry, Mike, Hank, Eddie, Freddie, Barry, Vernon and Rodney), and three sisters (Patricia, Norma Jean and Pamela).
Virgil married Nikki Lee Pingle in 1984. On February 5th, 1985 Nikki gave birth to their first son, Stuart Michael Edward Hensley. A little over a year later, Nikki gave birth to their second son and last child. Ryan Patrick Hensley was born on May 23rd, 1986.
Coming from a musical family, Virgil played a number of instruments and was an incredible singer. At the age of 17, he was offered to play drums with the traveling band of Loretta Lynn, but declined the offer.
Forming Sweetwater Express with his brothers Larry and Hank Hensley, they traveled all over the state of Ohio as well as other mid-western states. Virgil sang and played drums in this outfit, Hank played guitar and sang, and Larry played bass guitar and sang. Growing up on country and traditional bluegrass music, the trio of brothers stuck to their roots with their song selection. Keeping up with the times, they chose to play a number of contemporary country songs as well. Their music covered Hank Williams Sr. to Alabama to Creedence Clearwater Revival to ZZ Top, and much more.
Sweetwater Express was the house band for an extended period of time at the Hollow Inn. They were also regulars at the popular Fostoria, Ohio restaurant Frankie's Best. Together they opened for numerous popular acts, such as the Ventures, Chubby Checker and Ricky Nelson.
Other members came and went with the band. Pete VanBibber played guitar and sang for roughly six years during the 1980s. Buzz played bass and sang for a while as well in the early '80's.
In the mid-1980's, Sweetwater Express competed in numerous battle-of-the-bands competitions. They ranked second and third in every event.
While continuing to play music on the weekends, Virgil began selling cars in Findlay, Fostoria and Fremont.
He and his family attended church at the First Assembly of God in Findlay, Ohio. Pastor Darrell Ramsey was the pastor of the church at the time. Nikki worked at Autolight/Honeywell in Fostoria for their entire marriage.
In 1996, Virgil reconfigured the band with Mike Rose and they continued to play at local Moose and Elks Lodges.
Virgil and the band had a practice on the evening of July 9th, 1997. While coming home from practice, a semi-truck ran a stop sign on OH-281. Virgil was southbound on OH-199. Virgil's car hit the semi-truck and he was pronounced DOA.
This website is a tribute to the legacy of Virgil Lee Hensley. His music, his personality and his spirit will forever live in the hearts and minds of everyone he touched. The world lost a true talent and a great father on that night. His legacy will live on through his music and the joy he brought to everyone he met.
Virgil married Nikki Lee Pingle in 1984. On February 5th, 1985 Nikki gave birth to their first son, Stuart Michael Edward Hensley. A little over a year later, Nikki gave birth to their second son and last child. Ryan Patrick Hensley was born on May 23rd, 1986.
Coming from a musical family, Virgil played a number of instruments and was an incredible singer. At the age of 17, he was offered to play drums with the traveling band of Loretta Lynn, but declined the offer.
Forming Sweetwater Express with his brothers Larry and Hank Hensley, they traveled all over the state of Ohio as well as other mid-western states. Virgil sang and played drums in this outfit, Hank played guitar and sang, and Larry played bass guitar and sang. Growing up on country and traditional bluegrass music, the trio of brothers stuck to their roots with their song selection. Keeping up with the times, they chose to play a number of contemporary country songs as well. Their music covered Hank Williams Sr. to Alabama to Creedence Clearwater Revival to ZZ Top, and much more.
Sweetwater Express was the house band for an extended period of time at the Hollow Inn. They were also regulars at the popular Fostoria, Ohio restaurant Frankie's Best. Together they opened for numerous popular acts, such as the Ventures, Chubby Checker and Ricky Nelson.
Other members came and went with the band. Pete VanBibber played guitar and sang for roughly six years during the 1980s. Buzz played bass and sang for a while as well in the early '80's.
In the mid-1980's, Sweetwater Express competed in numerous battle-of-the-bands competitions. They ranked second and third in every event.
While continuing to play music on the weekends, Virgil began selling cars in Findlay, Fostoria and Fremont.
He and his family attended church at the First Assembly of God in Findlay, Ohio. Pastor Darrell Ramsey was the pastor of the church at the time. Nikki worked at Autolight/Honeywell in Fostoria for their entire marriage.
In 1996, Virgil reconfigured the band with Mike Rose and they continued to play at local Moose and Elks Lodges.
Virgil and the band had a practice on the evening of July 9th, 1997. While coming home from practice, a semi-truck ran a stop sign on OH-281. Virgil was southbound on OH-199. Virgil's car hit the semi-truck and he was pronounced DOA.
This website is a tribute to the legacy of Virgil Lee Hensley. His music, his personality and his spirit will forever live in the hearts and minds of everyone he touched. The world lost a true talent and a great father on that night. His legacy will live on through his music and the joy he brought to everyone he met.