Rayford Manuel Jenkins Obituary
Rayford Manuel (Ray) Jenkins, age 86, of Powell, Tennessee went to his heavenly home on Thursday, October 3, 2024 at North Knoxville Medical Center: Tennova Healthcare after a brief illness. Born in Bryson City, North Carolina January 9, 1938. Graduated from Clyde High School in 1956 where he played varsity football and basketball.
He graduated from Brevard College in 1960 and moved to Knoxville where he met his wife of 62 years Shirley Tallent Jenkins. He graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Upon graduation he served five years in the Army National Guard, worked in manufacturing management, and obtained APICS CPIM certification.
The latter part of his career was in real estate where he obtained a real estate license, a general contractor license, and coowned Jenkins Construction Company, Inc. with his son. His passions in life were gardening, sports, and spending time with his family. He coached Jr.
Pro Basketball, Powell Youth Football, and served as Vice President and President of Powell Youth Football. Preceded in death by his father Ernest Manuel Jenkins, mother Minnie Shuler Jenkins, and sister Evelyn Davis Stockwell. Leaves behind his loving wife, sons Kevin Todd Jenkins and wife Karen, Gregory Scott Jenkins, Jeffery Bryan Jenkins and wife Lisa, and granddaughter Chelsey Brooke Jenkins.
He is also survived by his sister Geneva Shoaf of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Graveside service will be held 2:00 PM Tuesday October 8, 2024 with military honors at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens, 160 Edgemoor Road, Powell TN, 37849.
