William Henry "Lucky" Jenkins

William Henry "Lucky" Jenkins, 78, of the Hot House/Ranger community, died Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, from an extended illness.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Patricia Ann Ledford Jenkins; three daughters, Monica Harrison and husband David of Murphy, former Cherokee Scout Editor Christina Hughes Koontz and husband David of Jasper, Ga., and Becky Nicks and husband Timothy of Ormond Beach, Fla.; four granddaughters, Ann Marie and Katelyn Cochran of Murphy, and Elizabeth and Kimberly Nicks of Ormond Beach; one great-grandchild, Delilah Mae Lee of Murphy; sister, Louzine Wilson of Brasstown; brother-in-law, Gary Ledford; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins in North Carolina, Michigan, Ohio and the Southeast.
Born at home on April 17, 1946, Lucky graduated from Hiwassee Dam High School in 1964 and was a Vietnam War veteran, serving the Army in Germany.
After leaving the Army, Lucky married the love of his life and became a born-again Christian. He worked for 20-plus years in the copper mines of Copperhill, Tenn., and later in manufacturing plants around Murphy, including Emerson, OMC and TEAM Industries, finally working for Cherokee County as an attendant at the Ranger Industrial Park Site.
A devoted son, husband, father and grandfather, Lucky lovingly cared for his aging mother. He cheered on his daughters when they played basketball for Ranger and Hiwassee Dam, encouraged them in their higher educational goals, and celebrated their accomplishments. He loved a neat, freshly-mowed lawn, tending a summer garden, and caring for his little dogs, of which he had many over the years; he loved cooking big meals for his family.
"Paw-Paw" doted on his granddaughters, he was a good neighbor, friend to many, and never met a stranger.
Lucky was preceded in death by his father and mother, Charlie and Gazzie Truett Jenkins; infant grandson, Gabriel Cochran; four sisters and their husbands, Dorothy and Vernon Allsbrooks, Faye and Woodrow Rogers, Jean and Roy Clonts, and Geneaive and Paul Jenkins; three brothers, Charles "Junior" Jenkins and wife Mary, and George and wife June Jenkins, and James Jenkins and wife Joy; mother- and father-in-law, Maunda Payne and Winford Ledford; brother-in-law, Larry Ledford; and two sisters-in-law, Marlene Loudermilk and Portia Worley.
A graveside service will be held at a later date. Lucky's ashes will be interred at Shady Grove Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of William Henry "Lucky" Jenkins to Meals on Wheels, c/o Denise Cross, 69 Alpine St., Murphy, NC 28906; or Shady Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Mrs. Lois Menasian, 6 Deweese St., Murphy, NC 28906.
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
An online guest register is available at iviefuneralhome.com.