John Edward Hennelly's Obituary
John Hennelly was a beloved father, brother and uncle; a Marine, a legal scholar and a
judge. He passed away after a lengthy illness on Thursday, 30 July 2026 at the age of 73 at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville.
John was born on 29 October 1952 into the U.S. Marine Corps family of Jack and Betty Hennelly (both of whom preceded him in death). Growing up in a Marine family fundamentally shaped his life. First, it meant that he moved- a lot. Before he graduated from high school, he had moved eleven times. Second, it meant he and his family were very close because his siblings were his ‘friends’ all his life. So, it is fortunate that he had four brothers and two sisters. Finally, being from a Marine family meant that he followed his father’s example and lived a life of service to his country and to his fellow Americans.
John enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1971 and was the Honor Man from his recruit training platoon in San Diego, CA. He served in U.S. Embassy security detachments located in Madrid, Warsaw and Moscow. After his enlistment, John returned to college and upon graduation from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, he was commissioned as a Marine Officer. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan and in Hawaii.
After his military service, John graduated from Georgia State University School of Law and embarked on several decades of legal service to the State of Georgia. He served for a long time as a senior assistant Attorney-General where he handled complex litigation involving the environment and the natural resources of the State of Georgia. He finished his legal career in Georgia as Judge Hennelly with the Office of State Administrative Hearings. Upon his retirement, he moved to northwest Arkansas.
John was a devout Catholic and had a particular devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Years ago, his illness prompted him to consecrate himself to the Queen of Heaven as a Knight at the Foot of the Cross. He joyfully offered his years of suffering to Jesus and Mary for the conversion of sinners and salvation of souls.
John is survived by his beloved daughter, Jennifer Hennelly, his ex-wife Erin Waddington, his four brothers (Michael, Patrick, Timothy and Thomas Hennelly) and his two sisters (Eileen Homire and Nan Rindahl).
A rosary and visitation will be held on Wednesday, 5 August at the Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Mass and funeral service will be held on Thursday, 6 August at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fayetteville. The graveside service (with Military Honor Guard) will be held on Friday, 7 August at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Fayetteville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA or to the National Audubon Society.
To leave a tribute, please visit https://www.bernafuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are by Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville.
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