Howell Jenkins Obituary

Howell Thomas Jenkins

December 26, 2024

JONESBOROUGH - Howell Thomas Jenkins age 90, of the Gray / Sulphur Springs Community, 319 Moore Road, Jonesborough, TN passed away December 26, 2024, at the residence of his daughter Lori Drain and son-in-law Chad.

Howell named Jesus Lord of his life at a young age. He loved his Lord and God's church. He was a member of Greenvale Baptist Church in Gray where he served as a Sunday School teacher and previously served and attended Buffalo Ridge Baptist Church. Over the past several years Howell attended Eastern Star Freewill Baptist and was blessed greatly by the congregation there.

Howell, a proud native of Washington County, cherished his home and neighbors. He graduated from Sulphur Springs High School and East Tennessee State University, later earning a Mechanical Engineering degree from ICS Technical College. Howell retired from Eastman Chemical Company after a distinguished career in various roles. He also served his country as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army-Armored Corps and held a term as commissioner in Washington County.

He was the son of the late Jessie J. Jenkins and Georgie Fulkerson Jenkins and stepmother Pauline Copas Jenkins. Howell was preceded in death by his loving wife of 46 years Bernice "Bea" Jenkins, one brother, Jessie James "Jimmy" Jenkins, one sister Ruth Steadman Nave.

He is survived by two daughters, Sherry L. Gillenwater of Jonesborough and Lori Drain and husband Chad of Jonesborough, four grandchildren Samantha Stallard Powers, Jared R. Sanders, Shelby Bridwell and husband Jalen, and Gabe Drain; two great grandchildren Scarlett Elizabeth Powers and Crimson Alexander Powers, one sister Paulette White of Baytown, TX; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Special friend and companion Janice Troxell.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Janice Troxell, Carol Cross, Nancy Cole, Debbie Bowman, Freeda Bradley, and Smoky Mountain Home Hospice for their exceptional care, compassion, and kindness shown to Howell during the final months of his life.

Dillow Taylor Funeral Home will be handling the graveside service at Sulphur Springs Cemetery on Monday, December 30, 2024, at 12pm. There will be a procession from the funeral home, we ask that family and friends be there by 11:30 am. Reverand Kevin Rose will be officiating.

Pallbearers will be Chad Drain, Gabe Drain, Jalen Bridwell, Travis Cash, Kenny Cole, and Eddie Berry. Honorary Pallbearers are Sam Drain, Charles Cash, Jared Sanders, Mike Steadman, Mark Street, John Street, and George Campbell.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Howell's honor can be made to Gray Community Chest P.O. Box 8024 Gray, Tennessee 37615.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.dillow-taylor.com

Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, TN 423-753-3821