By Karen Andrew
The Cincinnati Enquirer

GREEN TWP - Gregory T. Hensley, former president of the Greater Cincinnati Homebuilders Association, was a businessman and family man who cared for his community by helping with fundraisers.

Hensley, 50, died Thursday of cancer at his Green Township home.

Born in 1953, he grew up in Price Hill and graduated from Elder High School in 1971. An All-City football and track star, he held the city record in 200-yard dash for 23 years.

He earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the University of Cincinnati in 1975 and attended the Cincinnati Police Academy.

Mr. Hensley served as a Cincinnati police officer in District One from 1975 to 1977. After being laid off due to city budget cuts, he worked for American Heritage Homes, his brother-in-law Jay Buchert's home building company, from 1977 to 1985.

In 1977, he married his high school sweetheart, Seton High School graduate Susan L. Heinen."He was a devoted grandfather, husband and father, and always put his family first," his wife said. "He touched a lot of lives. He had a deep faith in God and was a very spiritual Catholic."

He was a member of St. Simon Church in Delhi Township and enjoyed golf, the Bengals and college basketball.

Mr. Hensley founded Hensley Homes in Symmes Township with another brother, Tim of Morrow, in 1984. A third brother, Russell of Lebanon, joined the business in 1994. The company has built more than 300 homes for the high-end custom market and has participated in 16 Homearamas.

Mr. Hensley served as president (1994-95) and board member (1988-96) of the Greater Cincinnati Homebuilders Association. He was also a member of the Hamilton County Board of Building Standards from 1994 to 2000.

He was active in fund-raising for the Make-a-Wish Foundation and Elder High School athletic complex. He participated in the annual Homebuilders' walkathon to benefit Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center's heart fund.

In addition to his wife and brothers, survivors include two daughters, Shannon of Millville and Stephanie at home; two sisters, Linda Buchert of Anderson Township and Marianne Stewart of Delhi Township; and two grandchildren.

Visitation is 5-8 p.m. Sunday at Radel Funeral Home, 650 Neeb Road, Delhi Township. A Mass of Christian burial will take place 11 a.m. Monday at St. Simon Church, 825 Pontius Road, Delhi Township. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Price Hill.

Memorials: Elder High School Athletic Complex, 3900 Vincent Ave, Cincinnati 45205-1672.

E-mail kandrew@enquirer.com