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Richard “Rick” Jenkins, 76, passed away Friday, February 14, 2025, after battling cancer for several years.
Rick was born and raised in Russellville, Kentucky, to the late James Turner Jenkins and Annie Joyce Jenkins, where he met and married his wife, Sue Carol. While in Russellville, he began a long and admirable career with the Kroger Company. Kroger brought Rick and his family to Columbia, TN in 1977. He managed the stores in Columbia and Lawrenceburg where he left a lasting impact.
Rick and Sue Carol made their home in Columbia where they raised their three daughters, Amy, Stacy, and Julie. In 1986, they tragically lost their middle daughter, Stacy. It was then that Rick fully gave his life to the Lord and served Him to the best of his ability. He was a longtime member of Pleasant Heights Baptist Church where he held many leadership roles; he taught Sunday School, served as a Deacon, he served on numerous committees such as finance, personnel and most recently the Stewards Committee. He also gave a lot of his time and served on the board for the Duck River Fellowship of Christian Athletes for several years.
Rick loved being outdoors. He spent hours at the creek behind his home. He loved his time on the lawn mower with his headphones blaring all of his favorite music. His favorite pastime was being in a boat with his friends on Center Hill Lake reeling in the Crappie and Walleye.
Survivors include his wife, Sue Carol, his daughters Amy (Chuck) Drane and Julie (John) Wolaver; 4 grandchildren, Evan and Anne Lindsey Wolaver and Ani and Adelyn Drane; His sister Shirley Stuart and several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Stacy, two brothers, Jimmy Wayne and Gary, his brother- in-law, Merrill Stuart, his mother- in- law, Mona Lawrence, his father- in- law Edgar “Bummy” Lawrence and his two sisters- in -law, Marilyn Kay Stokes and Jill Lawrence.
The memorial service will be Sunday, February 23rd at Pleasant Heights Baptist Church. The family will visit with friends from 1:00 until 3:00 with the service to follow, with Brother Maurice Hollingsworth and Brother Bob Vassar officiating. There will be no graveside service.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Kroger employees, the Rick Jenkins Sunday School Class and the beloved members of Pleasant Heights Baptist Church.
In Lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Duck River Fellowship of Christian Athletes or the Women’s Ministry at Pleasant Heights Baptist Church. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.
320 West 7th Street, Columbia, TN 38401
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