Walter
Walter Douglas Jenkins
d. January 9, 2017
Walter Douglas Jenkins, 89, passed peacefully on January 9, 2017 at the VA Medical Center in Salem, VA. He was preceded in death by his parents Rupert & Pauline Jenkins, his loving wife of 63 years Elizabeth (Betty) Scott Jenkins, and a number of siblings.
Walter is survived by daughter Sandra Jenkins Bowen of Roanoke, son Stephen Jenkins (Teresa) of Garner, N.C., grandchildren Kristen McCarthy Bowen Nietzold (Chris) of Blacksburg, Bradley Scott Jenkins (Leah) of Benson, N.C, Rebecca Lynn Jenkins of Wilmington, N.C. Also surviving are a sister, Margie Milton of Salem, VA and brother, Burnie Jenkins of Biloxi, MI; sisters in law Patsy Hopkins (Jim) of Roanoke, Edith Oliver of Salem, and Doris Woodall of Sims, N.C.; numerous nieces and nephews; and beloved pet companion Rocky, who will miss him immensely.
Walter proudly served his country during World War II and the Korean War. After the service, he worked for 18 years at Frigid Freeze, before taking over management of English Garden Apartments in Roanoke. He retired from that position after 30 years, in November, 2016. He lived for many years in the quiet town of Blue Ridge, Virginia, with Betty, where he loved canning vegetables, organizing his shed, gardening in his garden, and watching his grandchildren run around their beautiful and immaculate yard. He had such a green thumb! Walter and Betty attended the Church of Christ in Vinton for over 20 years, where they made many lifelong friends, before moving to Roanoke in 1999. They were longtime members of Westside Church of Christ.
He will be remembered by all those who know and loved him as a kind gentleman, with an easy-going demeanor. Walter worked hard all his life, and enjoyed his work. He had such a strong spirit, and a love for family and animals that was second to none. Walter loved his beloved pet cat, Rocky, in spite of the fact that he was clearly an animal with significant problems. At the shelter, Walter chose him specifically, saying “no one would take a sick one”. That was the kind of heart he always had. He also loved his dog, Peanuts, for over 12 years while in Blue Ridge, VA.
Walter loved to fish with his grandson, Brad, and he tried to go whenever he could. Although he admitted he never caught much, he just loved to be outside in the fresh air amidst nature. We are sure the fish are biting in Heaven! He will certainly be missed by all who knew and loved him.
A memorial service to celebrate Walter’s life will be held Saturday January 14, 2017, at 1:00 pm, Westside Church of Christ, 1705 Starview Dr. Salem, VA. The family will receive friends from 12 pm to 1 pm, prior to the service, at the church.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org), Memphis TN, or Angels of Assisi (www.angelsofassisi.org), Roanoke, VA.
Arrangements handled by Tharp Funeral Home.
Walter is survived by daughter Sandra Jenkins Bowen of Roanoke, son Stephen Jenkins (Teresa) of Garner, N.C., grandchildren Kristen McCarthy Bowen Nietzold (Chris) of Blacksburg, Bradley Scott Jenkins (Leah) of Benson, N.C, Rebecca Lynn Jenkins of Wilmington, N.C. Also surviving are a sister, Margie Milton of Salem, VA and brother, Burnie Jenkins of Biloxi, MI; sisters in law Patsy Hopkins (Jim) of Roanoke, Edith Oliver of Salem, and Doris Woodall of Sims, N.C.; numerous nieces and nephews; and beloved pet companion Rocky, who will miss him immensely.
Walter proudly served his country during World War II and the Korean War. After the service, he worked for 18 years at Frigid Freeze, before taking over management of English Garden Apartments in Roanoke. He retired from that position after 30 years, in November, 2016. He lived for many years in the quiet town of Blue Ridge, Virginia, with Betty, where he loved canning vegetables, organizing his shed, gardening in his garden, and watching his grandchildren run around their beautiful and immaculate yard. He had such a green thumb! Walter and Betty attended the Church of Christ in Vinton for over 20 years, where they made many lifelong friends, before moving to Roanoke in 1999. They were longtime members of Westside Church of Christ.
He will be remembered by all those who know and loved him as a kind gentleman, with an easy-going demeanor. Walter worked hard all his life, and enjoyed his work. He had such a strong spirit, and a love for family and animals that was second to none. Walter loved his beloved pet cat, Rocky, in spite of the fact that he was clearly an animal with significant problems. At the shelter, Walter chose him specifically, saying “no one would take a sick one”. That was the kind of heart he always had. He also loved his dog, Peanuts, for over 12 years while in Blue Ridge, VA.
Walter loved to fish with his grandson, Brad, and he tried to go whenever he could. Although he admitted he never caught much, he just loved to be outside in the fresh air amidst nature. We are sure the fish are biting in Heaven! He will certainly be missed by all who knew and loved him.
A memorial service to celebrate Walter’s life will be held Saturday January 14, 2017, at 1:00 pm, Westside Church of Christ, 1705 Starview Dr. Salem, VA. The family will receive friends from 12 pm to 1 pm, prior to the service, at the church.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org), Memphis TN, or Angels of Assisi (www.angelsofassisi.org), Roanoke, VA.
Arrangements handled by Tharp Funeral Home.
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