Joe C. Jenkins

Posted on May 16, 2018

Joe C. Jenkins, 77, originally from Cleveland, Tenn., passed away peacefully in his sleep, Friday May 11, 2018.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Bertha Jenkins; brothers, Ed, Gene, Ray and Bob Jenkins; and sister, Retta Sue Rayburn.
Survivors include: his wife of 28 years, Christine Dromey Jenkins; daughter, Cindy Jenkins Dehner; stepchildren, Brian (Meredith) Vaughn, Matt (Teri) Vaughn and Tori (Jerry) Vaughn Bayard; sisters, Evelyn Rockholt, Sandra Chastain and Maxine Swafford; brother, Wade Jenkins; and two grandchildren as well as multiple nieces and nephews.
A wonderful husband, father and friend, with a gift for remembering names, telling jokes and never meeting a stranger, he will be missed by all, especially his constant “furry” companion, Penny, who was always with him.
Joe was an employee of Magic Chef for 44 years before retiring to Florida where he was able to enjoy fishing, scalloping, gardening, reading, and helping friends and neighbors.
His love for dancing followed him throughout his life, from ballroom dancing to square dancing, and he was a member of the Salty Bobbers Square Dance Club. While in Cleveland/Chattanooga, he graduated from Bradley County High School, was a past member of Toast Masters, Outdoor Adventure and St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, where he was elected to the vestry. He also sang in the choir and played hand bells.
In Florida, he was on the mission board of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Chiefland, continued making his folk art, and enjoyed his love of fiction and old Westerns, where he could name every actor on screen. He and his daughter’s love for music was a special bond between the two, including their recently attended 18th yearly trip to Merlefest in North Carolina.
A celebration of life
service will be held
Saturday, May 19, at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Chiefland with visitation beginning at noon and the service at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association or PAWS of Steinhatchee, P.O. Box 47, Steinhatchee, Fl 32359