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Rhonald Jenkins Obituary
July 12, 1942 - May 13, 2021
Rhonald Jenkins was born in Montgomery AL, at Maxwell AFB. He completed his PhD degree in Aeronautics, Astronautics and Engineering Sciences and worked in related industries for ten years. He moved to the Auburn area in 1972. He joined the College of Engineering faculty in 1984 and retired in 2004 as an Associate Professor of Aerospace Engineering, specializing in propulsion and rocket design. He was recognized repeatedly by his colleagues and students for his excellence in teaching.
Rhonald and his wife, Joyce, enjoyed square dancing through their membership in the Village Squares. They also learned to ballroom dance and launched into teaching ballroom dance through the Auburn Parks and Recreation Department. Rhonald enjoyed using his teaching skills to help many men survive and even enjoy the beginner ballroom dance classes. They also taught many couples being married to enjoy a special dance for their wedding celebration.
Rhonald was preceded in death by his parents, Milburn and Mildred Y. Jenkins. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joyce, sons Christopher (Tracy) Jenkins and David (Kimberly) Jenkins, and grandchildren Molley Jenkins and Ryan Jenkins. He is also survived by his sister Donna (Randolph) Johnson of Montgomery and niece Hayden (Brandt) McDonald. He is survived by his special friends Carol Place Ramey and Christy (Lee) Place Lucas. The family is especially grateful to the staff at Bethany House who gave such loving and restful care to Rhonald.
The family will receive friends at 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held in the Chapel at 2:00 pm.
A brief private graveside ceremony for interment of cremains will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Montgomery, Alabama at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to any of the following organizations in memory of Rhonald M. Jenkins: Bethany House, 1171 Gatewood Drive, Building 100, Auburn, AL 36830, or to the EAMC Foundation, Spencer Cancer Center, 2000 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801, or their website at eamcfoundation8686.thankyou4caring.org, or to the Lee County Humane Society, 1140 Ware Drive, Auburn, AL 36830, or to a charity of your choice.
Memories and Condolences
for Rhonald Jenkins
Sponsored by Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home.
6 Entries
Eldon Triggs
September 18, 2024
Rhon was instrumental as a professor, colleague, and friend in helping me to be where I am today. It's been over 3 years since his passing and miss his humor. Hope to catch up with him on the other side one day and hear more stories, jokes, and car stuff!
Alessandro and Luisa Ciucci
May 8, 2023
One year already, and remembering Rhon with vivid, beautiful memories.
Our love to Joyce.
Alessandro and Luisa Ciucci
May 22, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person and an excellent teacher. I learnt a great deal from Dr. Jenkins as a Ph.D student. We will treasure the wonderful memories of the joyful times spent together at Auburn and during Rhon and Joyce’s visit in Italy in the late ‘90s. With the greatest regret not to have kept in touch in recent years and having said goodbye, we will always remember Rhon dearly. May God bless you, Joyce and all your family in this time of sorrow.
Alessandro and Luisa Ciucci
May 22, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person and an excellent teacher. I learnt a great deal from Dr. Jenkins as a Ph.D student. We will treasure the wonderful memories of the joyful times spent together at Auburn and during Rhon and Joyce’s visit in Italy in the late ‘90s. With the greatest regret not to have kept in touch in recent years and having said goodbye, we will always remember Rhon dearly. May God bless you, Joyce and all your family in this time of sorrow.
Gail Smitherman
May 19, 2021
So very sorry to hear of Rhon's passing. I know him through his work with Auburn Astronomical Society.
Prayers to the family.
David Moore
May 15, 2021
He was a great teacher. I know he will be greatly missed.
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