Raphael (Ray) Jenkins

 

He was loved by his mother, Dorcas Jenkins and his Nurturers, Arthur and Florence Jenkins until their passing.

 

Ray, as we all called him, has lived in Clinton, SC, all his life. He attended and graduated from Bell Street High School, Class of 1964. At Bell Street, he played football for the Bell Street Wildcats (#86), was a member of the Masonry Club, Glee Club, and a member of the Student Council. His favorite subject was math. The Class of 64 was known as the most active class to date. Initially, class reunions were held every 10 years, and changed to every 5 years, because they enjoyed and had so much fun together. He along with other class members, went on multiple cruises and planned other trips throughout South Carolina.

 

After graduation from Bell Street, and working in the family business, Ray was drafted into the Armed Forces, the Marines. He served in the Vietnam War as a rifleman and a tunnel rat. He was honorably discharged in 1967, returned to Clinton and continued working in the family business, Jenkins Contracting Services and Jenkins and Sons Grocery Store.

 

Ray enjoyed listening to the bible narrated by James Earl Jones. His love of the Marines, His Family, and grilling out was most important to him. He had a butcher’s apron and chef’s hat that read Master Grill Sargent. Everyone in Laurens and surrounding counties, knew about his grilling skills and his custom made grills. A big smile was always on his face when grilling for family or anyone who requested his grilling services.

 

He is predeceased by his Mother-Dorcas Jenkins and Nurturers-Arthur and Florence Jenkins, two Brothers-Reginald R. Jenkins (his twin who served and died in the Vietnam War), Dorse Suber Jenkins (served in Vietnam), a Sister-Flossie J. Choice, and brother-in-law (Flossie’s husband)-Eddie Lee Choice, Sr.

 

He leaves to cherish his memories his Brother-James “Jimmy” A.(Shirley) Jenkins, Sr. three Sisters-Marilyn Jodie Pease of Laurelton, NY, Debra J.(James) Speed of Piedmont, SC, and Melody J. Neely of Laurens, SC, 2 caregivers during his declining health; niece-Zwayla Q. Speed and daughter-in-love-Kelia M. Brown, and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends.

 

Ray will truly be missed for his fun loving spirit and love of family.