Donald Macbeth Jenkins

1928 - 2025

Donald Macbeth Jenkins, 96, of Charlotte NC died peacefully on Sunday, February 2, 2025, completing a life well-lived. Don was a man of integrity and high character. He lived a life dedicated to faith, family, and service.

He was born in Union, SC on April 24, 1928, to Robert and Nellie Jenkins. He learned to play several musical instruments working in his father's music store and played baritone for his father in the Union High School band. He attended Clemson A&M College and played trombone in the Clemson College Military Marching Band, the Clemson College Concert Orchestra, and the Clemson Jungaleers Dance Band while completing his degree in Electrical Engineering. Don continued playing in bands until late in life with the Greenville Symphony, Reflections Big Band, Sentimentalist Big Band, Charlotte Concert Band and Matthews Town Band.

While at Clemson, Don was a member of the ROTC and received his commission to active duty in the Air Force as a Second Lieutenant. He completed full retirement in the reserves with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Don worked as a professional engineer at Duke Power Company starting in 1950 in Greenville, SC followed by working in Hendersonville and Tryon before moving to Charlotte. He worked in the rate department for Duke Power in Charlotte until his retirement after 35 years. After retirement, he worked at J. A. Jones as a rate consultant.

Don also enjoyed playing and watching sports. He lettered in football in high school and enjoyed tennis, softball, baseball, swimming, diving, sailing and golf. He was an active coach and dedicated participant in all his sons' sporting events and activities.

Don was a dedicated member at Myers Park United Methodist Church since he joined the Wesley class in 1964 where he enjoyed many lifelong friendships. He started singing in the choir the same year and continued for over 45 years.

On August 1, 1964, Don married the love of his life, Becky Risher, and built a beautiful life. Together they had four boys in less than three years, two sets of twins, each of whom was a source of immense pride.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Becky; his sons and their wives: Kent and Susan, Kevin and Tracey, Scott and Tammy, and Steven and Stephanie; his sister Judy Durham and husband Jim, and his brother Mike and his wife Tricia Hayes.

Don found great joy in his 10 grandchildren: Kathryn, Jay, Allie, Brady, Riley, Dylan, Andrew, Owen, Will, and Walker.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by brothers, Bill, Harry, Bob, Tommy, and Dick.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Peter Justis and Dr. Geoffrey Rose for many years of care.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, February 8, at 3 pm in the sanctuary of Myers Park United Methodist Church. The family will receive visitors after the service in Jubilee Hall at the church.

Donations in memory of Don may be made to the Walter Herbert Ball Endowment Fund for Music at Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC 28207.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.