Richard Wayne Jenkins

Richard Wayne Jenkins, age 85, of Hendersonville, Tennessee, passed away on Sunday, March 30, 2025.

He was our handsome, charming Southern gentleman whose smile and laughter spoke louder than words ever could. His life was built on love—his love for God, his devotion to our mother, his dedication to his daughters, and his greatest joy, being GranDad. He was the foundation of our family.

Richard was a devoted servant of God and the spiritual leader of our family. He embraced this role with profound sincerity and humility, leading by example with a gentle yet firm presence. Each morning, he would retreat to his study, spending time immersing himself in scripture and devotion. His Christian influence on all who knew him was immeasurable. He faithfully served as a member of The Gideons International, Chairman of the Deacons, Chair/Member of various church committees, Sunday School teacher, Choir member, and a volunteer in the Prayer Room at First Baptist Church Hendersonville.

One of his Godly gifts was the way he made those around him feel safe and secure. He listened deeply, offering advice only when asked, and always made sure you felt truly heard. His smile and laughter showed he was fully present, absorbing every word you said.

From his loving nicknames like “Hon” and “Gooberhatchie” to his signature phrases when things didn’t go quite as planned—“I’ll be John Brown,” “What in the Sam Hill,” and “Well, shoot”—and the reassuring words we always heard as we left the house: “I love you hon, be careful, and call when you get home.” We will forever carry you in our hearts.

Richard attended Isaac Litton High School, Nashville, and later studied at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he earned both a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management and a Master of Business Administration with a major in Business Management. GO VOLS!

He had a distinguished career, working at Gates Rubber Company and DuPont. During his tenure at Nashville State Technical Institute (Nashville State Community College), he served in several key roles, including Director of the Technical Training Center, Director of Institutional Research, Dean of Business and Finance, and served on the Quality Control Council for the State of Tennessee.

Richard is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Nancy Howell Jenkins; Father, Finley “Doc” Jenkins, and Mother, Florence Sylvia Marie Lassiter Jenkins. He is survived by his daughters “the Jenkins girls,” Lori Jenkins (George D. Swygert), Leigh Ann Jenkins Bauch (Randy J. Bauch), and Julie Jenkins Loza (Walter J. Loza); grandchildren, Preston Andrew Bauch, Julianna Jenkins Swygert, and Talan Easton Loza; and his siblings, Glenn Allen Jenkins (Nancy) and Sherry Faye Crawford (Ray).

Though Richard has left this earth to be in the presence of our Lord, his legacy of love, faith, and devotion to his family will live on in all who knew him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Hendersonville Memory Gardens & Funeral Home, 353 Johnny Cash Parkway, Hendersonville, Tennessee 37075. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow.