William “Woody” Hensley, 82, of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away at home on October 19, 2026.

If you were lucky enough to know Woody, you knew that a quiet room was simply an opportunity waiting to happen. He had a story for every occasion (the truth of which was sometimes questionable), an opinion on everything, and a wonderful ability to make people laugh, himself most of all.

Born in San Francisco, California, Woody was raised by his devoted mother, Hazel, and his beloved stepfather, Ray Henriques. His mischievous spirit emerged early and stayed with him throughout his life. While serving in the United States Air Force, he earned the nickname “Woody” after Woody Woodpecker, because he never stopped talking. The name stuck and so did the chatter. He later attended Santa Clara University and began a career in the tourism industry that took him around the world.

In 1972, Woody married Joan, who would remain by his side for the next 54 years. Together, they welcomed three children, Nick, Aubrey, and Scott, and spent the next several years crisscrossing the country before finally settling in Las Vegas in 1980.

Woody loved travelling, watching and playing sports, listening to an array of music, and spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed being the center of attention, and more often than not, he was. Becoming a grandfather gave him a whole new audience, who affectionately knew him as “Big Wood” or “Biggy.” He loved being their Biggy, and the feeling was absolutely mutual.

Woody is survived by his wife, Joan; their three children, Nick (Mun), Aubrey (Courtney), and Scott (Vicki); his grandchildren, Madigan, Gray, Rowan, and Kingsley; his bonus grandchildren, Brody, Lou, and Grace; and his brother, Terry (Gert), along with their family. He was predeceased by his brother, Tom.

He was so very loved and will be greatly missed. We hope he knew just how much of him we’ll carry with us.

We love you always.

Family and friends are invited to gather and remember Woody on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at 8637 Cremona Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89117.

Those wishing to donate in Woody’s memory are invited to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.