Jerry Jones Jenkins

September 18, 1941 – December 13, 2022

Killen, Alabama

Jerry Jones Jenkins, 81, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2022, surrounded by his family.

Jerry was preceded in death by his grandson Benjamin Lane Bryan; his parents Earl Wesley and Emma Lanier Jenkins; and brothers John Morris Jenkins and Gilbert Lee Jenkins.

Jerry was born on September 18, 1941 in Giles County, Tennessee. He attended and graduated from Giles County High School where he excelled in basketball. He enjoyed monthly meetings with former GCHS classmates in the past several years.

Jerry married Linda Hughes Jenkins on October 30, 1961. Jerry and Linda grew their family by welcoming daughters Lisa, Angi, and son, Darryl. Throughout their marriage, they have added eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren to their family. Jerry was a dedicated father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; always offering guidance, support, encouragement, love, and a lot of laughter. He made childhood for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren magical, creating memories filled with adventure, playtime, and family. He was always willing to go for a walk outside, play a game of Monopoly, dress up as Santa Claus, or let the grandkids feed his fish. Christmas was his favorite time of year.

Jerry worked hard to provide for his family – retiring from both Reynolds Metals and General Motors. He was a member of Centerhill Church of Christ. Jerry served as a volunteer youth sports coach for basketball, baseball, and football for many years. He was one of the coaches of the 1978 Florence Little League State Championship team which advanced to the Little League World Series regionals in St. Petersburg, Florida. Jerry poured himself into Florence Little League becoming director and passionately working to improve the program for many young players in Florence. He was kindhearted and compassionate to everyone, especially his parents, his Aunt Aileen, and his brother Gilbert in their final years. In his last year, one of his greatest joys was visiting often with his sister Mildred.

Jerry was a voracious reader of westerns and loved to watch gameshows, old western tv shows, and the University of Tennessee sports on tv. He loved working in his vegetable gardens and planting flowers for Nana. His gardens were beautiful and bountiful; he never tired of sharing his prized vegetables and passing on his extensive knowledge to his family and friends.

His family will miss him dearly and will forever cherish moments they had with him. They will miss his twinkling eyes and his sideways grin that usually indicated he was up to something. More than anything, they will miss his love.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 61 years, Linda Hughes Jenkins; children Lisa (Bit) Goodman, Angi (Josh) Covey, and Darryl (Tracee) Jenkins; grandchildren Brittany (Chad) Thompson, Adam (Heather) Goodman, Bradi (Bradley) Sewell, Logan Jenkins, Ethan Jenkins, Hayden (Saylor) Jenkins, and Emma Bryan; great-grandchildren Jackson, Presleigh, Jabari, Charlee, Sage, Holden, Ari, Elliot, Maple, and Wilder; sister Mildred Wright and his niece and several nephews.

A visitation is planned for Saturday, December 17, 2022, from 11am to 1pm. The visitation will be at Centerhill Church of Christ 5422 Highway 64, Lexington, AL 35648. The funeral and burial will follow immediately at 1pm. Elkins East Chapel is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the North Alabama Christian Children's Home.

You are invited to leave condolences at www.elkinsfuneralhome.com.