Robert Jenkins

II Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Robert E. Jenkins, 89 of Kingsport, TN, went home to be with the Lord, November 19, 2025, at his home following a period of declining health. Born in Alvarado, TX on December 14, 1935, the son of the late Sidney C. Jenkins and Mable Manning Jenkins. Robert married Wilma Endsley on July 27, 1958, and graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1962 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. Robert was a Veteran of the Korean War, proudly serving in the U.S. Navy. After dedicating 30 years to the Internal Revenue Service, he retired and went on to establish a successful tax practice, serving clients in Olney, Illinois for many years. He also taught college accounting classes at the local Junior College.

Robert was a member of the Korean War Veterans Association, Chapter 289, American Legion Post 0003, and First Broad Street United Methodist Church, Kingsport, TN. Robert will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, son, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. His life was marked by faith, service, and kindness, and his legacy lives on in the family and friends who cherish his memory.

Survivors include his loving wife of 67 years, Wilma; sons, Jim Jenkins and wife, Della of Innsbrook, MO; Jerry Jenkins and wife, Becky of Kingsport, TN; four grandsons, Dr. Tyler Jenkins and wife, Dr. Ashley Jenkins of Columbia, MO; Eric Jenkins and wife, Lauren of St. Charles, MO; Jared Jenkins of Kingsport, TN and Corey Jenkins of Seoul, South Korea; seven great-grandchildren, Luke, Ellie Kate, Jack, James, Leo, Annie, and Lydia.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted on December 6th, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at First Broad Street United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Randy Frye and Rev. Dr. Carole Martin officiating.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Encompass Health, Amedisys Hospice Care - especially Diamond, Paige, and Amber; Seniors Helping Seniors – especially Susie; and other special in-home caregivers Freda and Connie.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Broad Street United Methodist Church, 100 E. Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660.