Floyd E. "Butch" Jenkins

VIRGINIA BEACH - Floyd E. “Butch” Jenkins, 70, passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2015. He was born March 5, 1944 in Norfolk to Niles E. Berisford and Frances M. Price. He was preceded in death by his adoptive parents Merlin and June Jenkins.

He was also preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Cheryl Zuzolo Jenkins - the love of his life.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1967, and later retired from the City of Virginia Beach Fire Department as an assistant fire marshal in 1994. After retirement, he moved to Nathalie, Va. where he lived until his health declined.

He was a sign painter by trade, specializing in the art of hand lettering; a paramedic and volunteer with Chesapeake Beach Fire Department and Rescue Squad.

He is survived by his three children: Rick Jenkins and his wife, Patty of Virginia Beach; Mike Jenkins and his wife, Karen of Chesapeake; and Tim Jenkins and his wife, Darla also of Virginia Beach. His grandchildren: Drew and his wife, Ashley; Michael Jr. and his fiancée, Briana; Scott, Eric, Chelsea and Abbey. Great granddaughters: Kayleigh, Amiah and Riley.

He is also survived by his three sisters: Brenda Ottenwalder and her husband, Bruce of Pennsylvania; Diana Hiipakka and her husband, Roy of Rhode Island; and Barbara Gullickson and her husband, Gary of Virginia Beach; his brothers: Dean Berisford and his wife, Charlotte of Texas; and Dan Jenkins and his wife, Judy also of Texas.

He was a member of the Norfolk Jaycees, the Blue Knights, the Red Knights, and the Gold Wing Road Riders Association. As a motorcycle enthusiast, he would often take to the open road riding one of his two purple bikes: a Honda Gold Wing, which he had converted to a trike; and a Harley Davidson. His other interest included: bluegrass music and festivals, NASCAR, hunting, automotive restoration, and grilling his specialty - barbecue chicken - on an outdoor wood-burning fire.

The family will receive friends at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home at 601 N. Witchduck Road in Virginia Beach on Sunday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. The funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, March 9 in the funeral home chapel. A grave-side service will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program.