LTC William Neal Jenkins (Ret.)

LTC William Neal Jenkins (Ret.)

Augusta, GA – LTC William Neal Jenkins (Ret.), 80, passed away on Sunday, July 31, 2016 at his residence in Augusta, Georgia. A memorial service with full military honors will be Saturday, August 6, 2016, 11:00 A.M. at Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church with Dr. Mike Cash and Rev. Greg Hatfield officiating. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. in Wesley Hall next to the church. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be the “FROGS” (Faithful Retired Old Guys Serving), of which Bill was a member for a number of years. The FROGS are a team of Christian men who repair, restore, and construct buildings for non-profit organizations.

Mr. Jenkins, a native of Early, Iowa, was the son of the late William and LaVerne Jenkins. He was a graduate of the University of South Dakota and Baylor University. Bill retired from the U.S. Army in 1979 after 21 years of active duty, with postings in Korea, Vietnam, and Alaska. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Medical Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and the Legion of Merit. After his military service, Bill worked at University Hospital in Augusta for 21 years, retiring in 2000 as the Vice President of Human Resources. He served as Chairman of the Board at Shepeard Community Blood Center for 10 years and as President of the Georgia Hospital Association. As a faithful member of Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church, he sang in the Sanctuary Choir and was a member of the Adult Couples and Singles Sunday School Class.

Mr. Jenkins is predeceased by his parents and sister Patricia Petrilla. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Becky Reddick Jenkins; his children Jill Wright (John), Timothy Jenkins, and Pamela Thiewes (Scott); stepsons Jody Patton (Lisa) and Mike Patton; brother Ron Jenkins (Eleanor); and six grandsons Ben Wright, Patrick Wright, Harris Jenkins, Miller Thiewes, Shea Thiewes, and Dylan Patton. He was blessed with a very close extended family, including numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Bill was an avid fisherman and golfer who enjoyed biking and walking his dog on the canal. He passed down his love of sports, travelling, and the outdoors to his children and grandchildren. He lived his life to the fullest, enjoying every moment, as he recently advised a grandson, “You only have one big moment. Make it count.” Bill was a loving, gentle, and patient man, who was always in good humor. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church, 1330 Monte Sano Avenue, Augusta, GA 30904.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com