Robert Edward Jenkins

Robert Edward Jenkins passed away peacefully in his sleep at his apartment in Woodland Terrace Retirement Community on April 2, 2017. Bob was born in Morristown, NJ on July 2, 1929 to the late Harry and Pauline (Schwarz) Jenkins.

He grew up in Denville, NJ, graduated from Mountain Lakes High School and then served honorably in the US Marine Corps and the US Navy. After his discharge, he attended Tennessee Wesleyan College where he met Helen Hammer and they began what he called a “love odyssey” that lasted over 59 years. They married in 1958. He graduated with a BS degree from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and began his lengthy career with Burlington Industries in the Transportation Division. In 1976 after fourteen relocations, he and the family settled in Asheboro, NC.

Upon his retirement in 1991, Bob became deeply involved in volunteer work in Asheboro. He taught Sunday School and served in leadership positions at First United Methodist Church. He volunteered monthly at Our Daily Bread soup kitchen. He also served on the Salvation Army Advisory board and served as chairman for 3 years. The volunteer experience he felt most passionate about was his work with the Randolph Prison Chaplaincy Program.

In August 2014, Bob and Helen relocated to Woodland Terrace in Cary, NC to be closer to family. He remained active and in good health up until his death and will be missed by the residents and staff.

His greatest legacy is his family. He created a home devoted to family, full of faith, embraced in love, rich in laughter, and passionate about sports. He leaves behind his wife Helen; daughter Brenda Schafer and husband Jerry of Cary; son Brad Jenkins and wife Barbara of Cary; three amazing grandchildren, Michael, Taylor and Melissa Jenkins; sister Dolores Jenkins of Denville, New Jersey, and much loved in-laws, nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his brother Henry.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Monday, April 10 at 2:00pm at Saint Francis United Methodist Church, 2965 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Saint Francis UMC in Cary, NC; First United Methodist Church in Asheboro, NC; or the Randolph Prison Chaplaincy Program, PO Box 2665, Asheboro NC 27204.