It is with profound sadness that we pay tribute to the life of Tony Lee Jenkins, a dedicated, reliable, and creative soul who passed away on July 21, 2023. Born on Feb. 22, 1954, in Fayetteville, N.C., Tony spent his life in service to his country, his family, and the community of St. Pauls, North Carolina, where he resided at the time of his passing.
Tony was a retired serviceman of the U.S. Army, a role he was incredibly dedicated to, embodying the essence of the phrase, “A soldier doesn’t fight because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.” His military career was his pride and joy, a testament to his unwavering reliability and commitment. Beyond his professional life, Tony was a man of many passions. He was known for his love for honeybees, fishing, hunting, and gardening. His dog Sheila was his constant companion; they were inseparable. And his grandchildren were the apples of his eye. He was a supportive figure, always there to lend an ear or share a life lesson; his long talks will be missed more than anything. His cooking was legendary, and his hard-headed nature only added to the love and respect his family and friends held for him.
Predeceased by his parents, Howard and Earlene Jenkins, Tony leaves behind so many loved ones. He also leaves a legacy filled with memories of love, dedication, and reliability. As we mourn the loss of this unique and creative individual, we also celebrate the life he led, the lessons he taught, and the love he shared. His memories will be treasured, his stories recounted, and his life celebrated. To quote Helen Keller, “What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”
We encourage all who knew and loved Tony to share your memories and upload photos to his memorial page. In sharing, we keep Tony’s spirit alive, and in remembering, we honor his life.