Joseph Jenkins

Joseph Jenkins was born on May 6, 1947 in Bainbridge, Georgia to the late Annie Lou Bush and Herman Everett. He graduated from Hutto High School in Bainbridge. Joseph Jenkins was married in holy matrimony on May 11, 1973 to Jessie Lewis, and together they built a loving family.

After his graduation he enlisted in the US Army. After completing Basic Training and AIT, Joseph went directly to Vietnam for 2 tours, 1967-68 and then 1970-71. After he returned in 1971, he was stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana serving as a Drill Sergeant. Joseph and Jessie met in 1972 while Joseph was still at Fort Polk. Soon after they married, they traveled to his duty station in Germany. They spent his career alternating between duty stations in Germany and duty stations in either Texas or Louisiana. Joseph Jenkins served in Artillery and also Infantry. He finished his career at the highest enlisted rank of Sergeant Major (SGM) and retired at Fort Hood, Texas in 1992.

Sergeant Major Jenkins served his country proudly with over 26 years of dedicated service. He is a decorated combat veteran and received the Bronze Star Medal for Valor. Sergeant Major Jenkins earned several other decorations and awards for his service including but not limited to: Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Badge, and Sharp Shooter Badge.

After retiring from the Army, Joseph began working at McNeil Consumer Products, a company that manufactures Tylenol. He also provided security services at Samsung's semiconductor plant. He then decided to completely retire and focus on family and community.

Joseph was active in Church and organizations for the community. He made himself available to groups like Boys to Men & Daughters of the King and Meals on Wheels. Joseph loved attending and serving at Celebration Church in various areas including the Green Room, the Cooking Team, and Greeter Team.

Joseph's main past-times were watching westerns, watching sports, and cooking. He loved to try new recipes. He also loved smoking and grilling different types of meat. He had his own BBQ food truck called The Master BBQ for several years. Joseph was a football fan of the San Francisco 49ers and later the Kansas City Chiefs.

Joseph loved serving his country and serving people and received a true honor as a highlight during his later years of life. Joseph was selected to travel by Honor Flight to Washington DC, a program that honors Vietnam veterans with a all-expenses paid trip and tour of various sites including the Vietnam War Memorial. He was honored to be one of two veterans to lay the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He was grateful for the experience that brought some healing for him. The return from the Honor Flight trip provided a much deserved "Welcome Home" for the Vietnam veterans who had been mistreated after returning from the Vietnam War rather than being welcomed home as heroes.

On March 1, 2025, Joseph made his transition from his earthly home to his Heavenly home. Joseph is survived by his wife, Jessie Jenkins, his daughter, Erica Sims, and grandson Elijah Sims. Joseph was the last one living of his siblings. Joseph also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, friends and church family to mourn his passing.

A visitation for Joseph will be held Thursday, March 13, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Celebration Church Central Austin, 1006 W Koenig Ln, Austin, Texas 78756, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM.