Charles "Charlie" Jenkins

Charles (Charlie) Lindberg Jenkins, age 94 passed away on Friday, October 8, 2021

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Henry and Ollie Mae Cockrell Jenkins; brothers, James Travis Jenkins, Henry Hershel Jenkins, Joseph Edward Jenkins, Thomas Isadore Jenkins, Dennis Murphy Jenkins; and sister, Hazel Jenkins Hogue.

He is survived by wife, Laurie Jenkins; daughter, Colleen Rae Yates and her husband, Ed; son, Joseph Edward Jenkins; brother, John Gaynus Jenkins and his wife, Bonnie; sister, Martha Ann Dacus; and many nieces and nephews.

Charlie was born June 2, 1927, in Skene, MS and raised in Alligator/Rena Lara, MS. He also resided in Sanford, FL, San Juan, P.R., Albany, GA and was a resident at the Armed Forces Retirement Home, Gulfport, MS for 18 years.

A World War II veteran, he served in the U.S. Navy for 27 years retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. After retiring he owned and operated a Badcock Furniture store and worked in insurance sales.

He was a member of Kiwanis for 43 years and during that time he received numerous awards including Kiwanian of the Year, Recruiter of the Year, the Walter Zeller Fellowship Award and many leadership and service awards. He was interested in anything having to do with the Navy, attending as many local events as possible. He was also a member of the World War II Museum and a 46-year member of the Fleet Reserve Association. He was very interested in politics and supported many local and national campaigns throughout the years.

At the age of 14, Charlie received the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior and became a member of the Rena Lara Baptist Church, Rena Lara, MS. More recently his church membership was with Covenant Presbyterian Church, Albany, GA and he attended the Protestant Chapel services while at the Armed Forces Retirement Home.

He was always seeking to educate himself by taking numerous college courses and he was an avid reader of history. He loved flowers and trees most notably leaving a legacy of pecan trees at the Armed Forces Retirement Home.

Charlie never met a stranger. He always had a smile and a story, sharing his life experiences to encourage and motivate others. His drive, love for life and love for people was an inspiration to those who knew him.

The family would like to thank all the staff at the Armed Forces Retirement Home who showed him their love and support while caring for him over the years.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Charlie can be made to Kiwanis.org, a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child at a time.

Friends are invited to join the Jenkins family for visitation and services on Thursday, October 14, 2021, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 274 Beauvoir Road, Biloxi, MS 35931.  Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the Funeral Service at 12:00 p.m.

Mr. Jenkins will be laid to rest with full military honors at 1:30 p.m. at Biloxi National Cemetery.

The online guestbook may be signed, and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com