Bhoyd David Henningsen

Bhoyd “David” Henningsen, 93, on November 8, 2021, entered peacefully into his Heavenly Father’s arms and was made whole again while surrounded by his family at his home in Knoxville TN. David is now embracing his family members in their Eternal Heavenly Home who proceeded him: parents Martin and Lou Christine Henningsen, wife Ada “Sizemore” Henningsen, infant son Martin Henningsen, stepdaughter Kathy Herron, grandson David Baker. His survivors are daughter Sonia Fields, Piney Flats TN, son Michael Henningsen and wife Elizabeth, Knoxville TN, stepson Larry Herron and wife Dotty, Oak Ridge TN, thirteen grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Shirley (Sizemore) Hembree, nieces, and nephews. The love he gave his family will never be forgotten. His faith in God was always present in his life.

He was born in Eyota, Minnesota April 19, 1928. In January 1946 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was deployed overseas. He served in Germany from June 1946 - March 1949 and was awarded the WWII Victory Medal and the U.S. Army Occupation Medal. He reenlisted in the U.S. Air Force October 1950 - August 1954; his service included being based in Alaska and Texas.

After his military service he entered culinary school in New York. There he found his passion for fine cuisine; he became a superb chef. He moved to Knoxville over sixty years ago where he worked at several fine restaurants including the Fox Den Country Club and the Cherokee Country Club as their Head Chef.

After retiring he took up woodworking. For over twenty-five years David spent countless untiring hours in his tool shed with a hobby that made him happy. However, the most important time he spent was with his church, family, and friends. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bearden Ward where he gave and received great joy serving alongside his beloved friends and church family for over three decades. Also, in later years he was a welcomed worshiper at the New Beginning Baptist Church of Knoxville where he received great amounts of love and prayer.

The family would like to thank the staff with the University of Tennessee Hospice for their gracious treatment they gave David during his end-of-life care. A special thanks to all his physicians and caregivers. Our hearts are filled with gratitude by everyone’s thoughtful actions and support.

A celebration of Life will be held November 20, 2021, 4pm at the New Beginning Baptist Church, 11218 Yarnell Rd, Knoxville TN 37932. The service will be led by Pastor Dr. David Knight.

Details of the inurnment service will be posted on the Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel web site where you may also review and Share a Memory with the family.

Flowers will be appreciated, or you may send a memorial donation to the charity of your choice in David’s honor.

Faith, Hope and Love - Corinthians 13:13

Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel & Crematory are honored to serve the Henningsen family and invites you to sign the online registry to share your condolences.

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