Larry Thomas Jenkins

Larry Thomas Jenkins

Larry Thomas Jenkins, age 79, passed away on Friday, August 8 after a lengthy battle with lung cancer. After graduating from Greeneville High School in 1964, Larry joined the United States Air Force and retired after 25 years with a rank of Chief Master Sergeant (E9). During his service he was assigned to posts all over the world including Korea, Thailand, England, Alaska and others. He was fluent in Russian due to his assignment with the NSA as a cryptic linguist specialist and he spoke other languages. After his retirement, he returned to his hometown and completed his college degrees from Walters State Community College and East Tennessee State University.

Larry loved playing golf, and he was a good player. He was an assistant manager at Andrew Johnson Golf Club in Greeneville and an instructor for youth through the First Tee program. Larry was an animal lover. He and his wife, Brenda, operated the Sheltie Rescue of East Tennessee for over 25 years, taking in Shelties, nursing them to health if necessary, and securing a loving home for them.

Larry was the second to last survivor of the Jenkins family who operated Jenkins Shoe Shop on Depot Street in downtown Greeneville since the late 1800s. He was heavily involved in the family trade during his early years and spent years upon his return to Greeneville working with his Papaw, Oscar, Sr., and his Uncle Hugh. The early equipment from the shop is housed in the Greeneville Greene County History Museum.

Larry is survived by his brother Richard Jenkins and his niece Tonya Henke, both living in Knoxville, his Aunt Betty Jenkins of Greeneville, daughter Lara Johnson along with multiple grandchildren and great grandchildren and two dear friends, Dale and Bob Johnson who cared for him during this difficult last year of his life, as well as many kind neighbors and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Brenda, mother Albernette Adams Jenkins, his father Oscar Jenkins, Jr., his beloved Papaw Oscar, Sr., sister Jeanette, daughter Kim and grandson Corey.

The family would like to express special appreciation to the staff at both Signature Health Care of Greeneville and Durham Hensley Health and Rehabilitation in Chuckey, TN for the wonderful care they provided during the last few months of Larry's life, as well as the staff of UT Hospice and especially to his hospice nurse, Holly Greene.

Larry is being cremated, and the family will have a military service in Johnson City, TN at the Mountain Home National Cemetery at some point in the future. Jeffers Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements. Donations may be made to St. Jude’s, one of Larry and Brenda's favorite charities.