Robert Francis “Bob” Jenkins, age 99, a resident of Covenant Place, died Tuesday, April 9, 2013. He was the widower of Juliet Woods “Tootsie” Jenkins.
Born in St. Charles, he was a son of the late William Bryan and Martha Isabelle Guy Jenkins. He was baptized at Zion Presbyterian Church in St. Charles. During his early years, he lived in Lowrys and Rock Hill, where he graduated from Rock Hill High School. His family moved to Sumter in 1932. Mr. Jenkins received a bachelor of science degree in textile chemistry from Clemson College in 1934. While at Clemson, He was a Color Guard at the Dress Parades; a charter member of IPTAY; a member of Phi Psi Fraternity; and the business manager of “TAPS,” the college yearbook. He was a first lieutenant, executive officer of a rifle company during his senior year at Clemson. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Army Infantry Reserves upon graduation. He worked at the Rock Hill Printing and Finishing Co. for eight years. While living in Rock Hill, he was a Sunday school teacher and member of the board of deacons at First Presbyterian Church. On June 30, 1939, he married Juliet Alexander “Tootsie” Woods of Chester.
Lt. Jenkins was called to active duty in the U.S. Army in March 1942. He was promoted to captain and served as Rifle Company Commander for three years in the Second Battalion of the 337th Infantry Regiment of the 95th Division. He served in Gen. George Patton’s Third Army in Germany and France. He was wounded in November 1944. He received the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman Badge and EAME Theatre Ribbon with two battle stars. Upon discharge, he was promoted to major in the Reserves.
Upon the death of his father in September 1945, he, Tootsie and their daughter joined his mother and brother in Sumter, where he ran the family farm and worked as the assistant administrator of Tuomey Hospital. He was a charter member and past president of the S.C. Hospital Financial Management Association.
Mr. Jenkins was very active in First Presbyterian Church, where he was a member of the board of deacons and served as bookkeeper, secretary of the finance committee and church treasurer. Later he served for many years as an active member of the session of the church and was voted an elder emeritus.
He was a past Post 15, district and zone commander of the American Legion and was given a life membership. He was also a life member of VFW, Purple Heart Association and the DAV. He served 30 years as secretary of Post 15 Fair Committee and 42 years as post historian.
Mr. Jenkins served on Sumter’s One Fund Drive (now United Way) for many years and as co-director for one year. He served several years as chairman of the board of trustees of Sumter’s Red Cross. He was a member of the Sumter Junior Chamber of Commerce and active in Sumter’s Iris Parades. He was on the board and served 20 years as a member of the Sumter Lions Club. After retirement, he became a charter member and secretary of Palmetto Kiwanis Club.
Surviving are three daughters, Jane J. Hill and husband, Jack, of Greenwood, Martha J. Jones and husband, Don, of Blythewood and Frances J. Williams and husband, Jerry, of Columbia; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by two brothers, William Bryan Jenkins Jr. and Samuel Guy Jenkins.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday at Covenant Place. Burial will be in Sumter Cemetery.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Friday at Covenant Place.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 9 W. Calhoun St., Sumter, SC 29150; Covenant Place, 2825 Carter Road, Sumter, SC 29150; or to a charity of one’s choice.
You may sign the family’s guest book at www.bullockfuneralhome.com.
The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements.
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