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1933
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2021
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Richard Jenkins Obituary
December 23, 1933 - June 28, 2021
During the early morning hours of Monday, June 28, 2021, Mr. Richard "Rat" Thomas Jenkins, 87, of Marion, took the midnight train home to that golden shore in glory.
The son of the late Tom and Mildred Jackson Jenkins, Rat was born in McDowell County Dec. 23, 1933.
Known for his love of all things related to trains, Rat was an avid model railroader and Los Angeles Dodgers fan. He also retired after 30 years of dedicated service from the Southern Railway, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Aside from his career, he was very actively involved with the McDowell Mission Ministry, where he volunteered often and served on the board. He also enjoyed volunteering for United Way. Rat was a very loving family man, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and was a very devout Christian, having had attended Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. Rat loved the Lord and his family with all his heart and his passing will sadden many who he met and loved along his journey in this life.
In addition to his parents, he was greeted at Heaven's gates by his sisters, Lucille Rutherford, Alene Goode and Celestine Jenkins.
Left behind to cherish Rat's precious memory are his wife of 67 years, Mrs. Ruth Ann Swepson Jenkins, who married the love of her life Jan. 23, 1954; and their five children, Thomasina Jenkins Tate (Michael) of Asheville, Lauriece Jenkins of Los Angeles, Calif., Richard Byron Jenkins of Marion, Francelia Jenkins of Marion, and Rashelle Jenkins Brown (Aaron) of Spindale. He also leaves behind one sister, Elizabeth Jenkins Siler (Derrick) of Marion; as well as eight wonderful grandchildren; and three precious great-grandchildren.
A graveside service to celebrate Rat's home-going will be held Thursday, July 1, at 11 a.m., at McDowell Memorial Park with Dr. Michael Smith officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Rat's memory can be made to Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, 115 East Wilhemenia St., Marion, NC 28752.
Westmoreland Funeral Home
www.westmorelandfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Jenkins
Sponsored by Westmoreland Funeral Home & Crematory - Marion.
2 Entries
Letitia O'Neil
July 27, 2021
Sorry for your lost Fan. Love you Tisha.
Herbert Walker
July 2, 2021
Sorry for your loss,Your family is in our prayers.
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Memorial Events
for Richard Jenkins
Jul
1
Graveside service
11:00 a.m.
McDowell Memorial Park
327 Memorial Park Road, Marion 28752
Funeral services provided by:
Westmoreland Funeral Home & Crematory - Marion198 South Main Street, Marion, NC 28752
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