Mr. Jesse "Sonny" Henley

Mr. Jesse “Sonny” Henley, age 70, of Texas, formerly of Murray, Kentucky, passed away, Friday, September 5, 2025, following an extended illness. It is now with heavy hearts and deep respect that we gather our thoughts to commemorate the passing of a remarkable individual whose presence touched the lives of many. In times of loss, we reflect not only on the sorrow that accompanies departure but also on the profound joy, wisdom, and warmth that emanated from a life well lived. This obituary is a celebration—a narrative woven from the threads of cherished memories, lasting contributions, and the enduring imprint left upon family, friends, church, community, and country.

Jesse “Sonny” Henley graduated Murray High School, Class of 1972, and then attended Murray State University before entering the United States Navy in 1975 and training to be a Senior Nuclear Reactor Operator where he soon oversaw the operations and maintenance of twin 550-Megawatt nuclear power plants aboard the USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Aboard the Nimitz aircraft carrier during 1979 to ’80, he participated in the longest U.S. Naval deployment since the end of World War II in support of the Iranian Hostage Crisis. After leaving the Navy, he attended Memphis State University, attaining a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering and embarked on a career culminating as one of the world’s foremost experts in missile design, targeting, acquisition, and engagement systems while serving as the Senior Project Engineer for both the Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) ICBM missile defense systems. As part of his duties, he performed weekly group briefings for the various Secretaries of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and three Presidential Administrations for over six years. This was followed by numerous other military defense development projects until his retirement in 2021. He was an inspirational man, loved and respected by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Diana; Father Melvin Henley and wife Rita (Murray, KY); daughters Marissa and husband, Kristi and husband Chris and husband, K’lynn and Shelly; his son Chris and wife; his brothers Stan Henley and wife Janet (Murray, KY), Matthew Boardman and wife Stacy (Murray, KY), and Shane Henley (Almo, KY); and 12 grandchildren.

Jesse was preceded in death by his mother Eva Lou, first wife Cindy who departed in 1981 and his son, Lee Michael, departed in 2005 following his graduation from ole Miss University. Also preceding Jesse in death were his brothers Steve Henley and Stuart Henley.

There will be a graveside memorial service and internment at 1:30pm on Saturday, October 4th at the Story’s Chapel Cemetery, 3640 Edgehill Trail, Hazel, KY generally located in the Southwest portion of Calloway County. VFW Post 6291 of Murray, KY will be providing military honors. Friends and family are invited to attend. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Compassion Church of San Antonio, TX at the church website CompassionSA.org or by mail to Compassion Church, PO Box 700110, San Antonio, TX 78270.

Online condolences can be made at www.jhchurchill.com

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.