D. Leon Jenkins

Dewey Leon Jenkins, 82 of 617 Hillside Dr. Rockingham, died Monday, May 1, 2006 at Hospice Haven of Rockingham. Leon was born June 21, 1923 in Richmond County, a son of the late Henry Clay and Dora McKenzie Jenkins. Leon served his country during World War II in the United States Navy. It was during this time that he met Mabel “Patsy” Barlow who would later become his wife of 61 years. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Rockingham, where he has served as a deacon, and a Sunday School teacher. Leon and Patsy were very active in the Prison Ministry at Morrison Correctional Institute. Leon was the Morrison Volunteer of the year in 1981 and 1987, active in fund raising to build a chapel at Morrison Correctional Institute and was very active in the Yokefellow program. In 2005 he was awarded the Old North State Award for his work at Morrison Correctional Institute. Leon was a very active member of the Rockingham Civitan Club having served as president in 1968-69. He has also served as NC District West Chaplain, Area Chaplain and Lt. Gov. NC District West Area VI. Leon was a community Volunteer sponsor with Richmond Advancement Center. For 29 years Leon was the “Voice of Richmond Raider Athletics” announcing games for the Raiders. Leon also served on the City of Rockingham Board of Adjustments and Appeals. Leon was employed by Hallum Furniture Company many years ago, later was owner and operator of Custom Floor Covering until his retirement and later traveled for Brown Moulding Company for several years. Surviving are his wife Patsy of the home, their children, Dewey Leon “Lee” Jenkins Jr. and wife Karen of Rockingham, Donald Barlow Jenkins and wife Becky of Concord, Dianne K. Spencer and husband Richard “Dickie” of Little River, SC, grandchildren, Dewey Leon “ Lee” Jenkins, III and wife Dawn, Kevin Barlow Jenkins, Brian Clay Jenkins and companion Lori Ballard, Holly Jenkins, Austin Keener, Jenna Keener and Heather T. Clemmons, great grandchildren, Mason Penuel Jenkins, Jacob Clemmons and Hailey Lynn Jenkins. Also surviving are his brothers, Joseph Clyde Jenkins and wife Ruth of Rockingham, Raymond “Harry “ Jenkins and wife Pauline of Trinity FL, sister, Nell Frye and husband Daniel C.of Rockingham, a number of nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM Friday from First Baptist Church of Rockingham with Rev. T. David Phillips, Rev. David Marks, and Rev. Eddie Weathers officiating. Interment will follow in Richmond County Memorial Park. The family will see friends from 6:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday at Carter Funeral Home and at other times at the home on Hillside Dr. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Rockingham, 201 N. Randolph St. Rockingham, NC 28379, Richmond County Hospice, P.O.Box 2136 Rockingham, NC 28380 or to the Jim “Catfish” Hunter chapter of ALS, 120-101 Penmarc Dr., Raleigh, NC 27603.