Dale Jenkins

Dale Jenkins died Saturday, February 15, 2025, at his home in Darien, GA, surrounded by those who he loved most. He was preceded in death by his parents Olney and Olive (Howard) Jenkins; brothers Dennis Jenkins, Wadyce Jenkins, and Ronnie Jenkins; nephew Jeff Jenkins, and honorary brother Abram Brown. He is survived by the love of his life Michelle; children Jessica Stepowany (Scott) of Brunswick, Shelsea Jackson (Joshua) of Waverly, Ashton Dale of Auburn, Caleb of Jesup, and honorary daughter Crystal Simmons of Darien; granddaughters Brooklyn Stepowany, Emilia Jackson, and Adalyn Olive Jackson; grandsons AJ Stepowany, and Eli Stepowany; sister Judy LaRoche (Clark) of Townsend; brothers Bobby (Jackie) of St. Augustine, FL, Lee (Pam) of Townsend, Keith (Jody) of Townsend, Virgil of Darien, and many nieces and nephews.

Dale was born on October 9, 1952, in Ludowici and was raised in Eulonia, along with his sister and 7 brothers at the Jenkins General Store. While growing up, Dale excelled at baseball and basketball. He shared his love of baseball by coaching and routinely attending or watching on TV the Atlanta Braves. He coached his sons when they began playing ball at a young age. He coached for 6 years and helped the boys on his team succeed on the fields (only lost 2 games in total) and showed them love.

Dale graduated from Darien High School in 1970 and Auburn University in 1974. In 1981, Dale enrolled at Woodrow Wilson Law School in Atlanta, GA. After graduating from law school, Dale returned to Darien in 1985. He served as the Public Defender for three years before opening his own private practice in 1988, where he practiced law until late 2023. From 1993 to 2012, he also served as McIntosh County’s first State Court Judge.

Besides being a brilliant and passionate personal injury and defense attorney, he picked up the hobbies of flying private passenger planes, investing in the stock market, and being a cigar aficionado. He loved to look up to the sky to spot planes and say, “It sure is a good day to fly, I wish I was up there right now.”

Dale will always be remembered by his family for how fiercely and unconditionally he loved them. He was their rock, protector, and source of comfort.