William Jenkins, Jr.
William Jenkins, Jr., was born Friday, September 30, 1932. He left this earth to be with the Lord on Monday morning, May 24, 2021, at Christiana Care Hospital, in Newark, Delaware.
During his early years, William lived with his family in Goochland, Virginia, and graduated from Goochland Central High School. He then went on to the National Business College in Nashville, Tennessee.
In 1952, William began his service in the United States Air Force and served his country from December 1952 to January 1973. During the course of his military career, with family in hand, William traveled to many places in the United States and overseas. He was a driven man, knowing every aspect of every vehicle and plane inside and out, and received numerous certifications and honors as a Manager of Transportation. Later, he became an air cargo specialist and continued in that role until he retired. He received special security clearance: Secret fourth OSI District, Washington, D.C. William served in both The Korean and Vietnam Wars.
William finally retired from the Military in 1973, which brought him and his family to Dover, Delaware, but he did not stop there. He went on to work for the International Playtex Cooperation until he retired as a Supervisor in 1994.
William, as you can see, was devoted to every task he took on. He was a devoted son, husband, brother, friend, grandfather, great-grandfather and the greatest father. He was also a devout Christian and that was a constant throughout his entire life. He was a deacon at Dover Christian Church, where he and his wife, Mary are members.
William loved history and was proud to support and become a lifetime member of The Tuskegee Airmen Foundation.
William was preceded in death by his parents, William and Helen Jenkins; and brothers, Clarence and Larry Jenkins.
Williams leaves to cherish his memories, wife, Mary E. Jenkins; his children, Dawn O'Reily, Okemah Strickland (William), Brenda Oeller (Wayne) and Jacqueline J. Eubanks (Richard); grandchildren, Amber Caldararo, Aundrea Jenkins, Ashley Oeller, Shaun Strickland (Amy), Justin Stickland (Holly), Erin Fortney (Ted), Madison B. Eubanks (Brylle) and Payton A. Eubanks; great-grandchildren, Skye Hanna, Hailey Smally, Jasmine Caldararo, Mayumi Fortney, Maddox Pookongma, Brinnley and Berkley Stickland and Camille M. and Emmy Strickland; and sisters in-law, Ruby Yancy and Edna Jenkins; and a few nieces and nephews.
William lived a long, love-filled life, surrounded by a family that loved him more than life itself.
Viewing will be held on Thursday, June 3, 2021 at Wyoming United Methodist Church, 216 Wyoming Mill Rd., Wyoming, Delaware 19904 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Interment and military honors will take place Tuesday June 15, 2021 at 11 a.m. at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Rd., Bear, DE 19701.
In lieu of flowers you may make a donation to Dover Christian Church at 1738 Forrest Avenue, Dover, Delaware 19904.
Professional services entrusted to Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover, Del. www.benniesmithfuneralhome.com