Howell Thomas Jenkins
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.
12/30/2024
Steve and Lisa Stafford
Our thoughts and prayers to all of this great family. Hal was a great friend over the yrs since my childhood days. My father Niles, and some others built he and Bernice’s home along Hwy 36 many yrs ago back in the 60’s. Hal was one of the great Christian pillars in the Gray community. I always loved being around his father that was nicknamed Nip, and Carguille Hale when they cut each others hair. The stories of the early days in Gray from them were priceless. Hal was such a Godly influence to all those around him. We send our prayers and love to the family of this great man!❤️
12/30/2024
Sherry Shadden
Howell Thomas was truly one of the kindest man I have ever known! His love for God, Family, and mankind was evident in every way! I will always remember Howell and Bernice with much love. God bless and be with you all as you live through your loss. He will be in Heaven for all of us believing in our Lord and Savior to see again soon! Love to you all. Sherry Shadden
12/29/2024
Charlotte Brown Stafford
Mr. Jenkins was my teacher in eighth grade at Gray Elementary. He was and continued to be an amazing example of a wonderful Christian man. I consider it a great privilege to have known him as a teacher and friend. He will be missed.
12/28/2024
Stephanie Bolling
Sherry and Lori, I am so saddened to hear of uncle Howells passing. He was a great man and a loving man. Every time I hear his name I think of us sweeping that old house out and him having to come up there and kill that snake. Even though everyone was so upset at us for being in that old house he was so calm about it. I can't say I ever heard him raise his voice. He was truly a jewel and will be missed by all! I'll keep y'all in my prayers in the days to come. Cherish his memories and find comfort in knowing he is resting in the house of our Lord now with your precious mama and all who have went on before him. I love y'all!
Howell was an amazing man that I had the pleasure of calling a friend for more than 20 years. I will miss our side-porch conversations. Prayers for all of his family and friends during this difficult time.
12/28/2024
Rhonda Brent Goodson
I worked with Howell in Safety Department- he was always one of my favorite people -always calm, kind and such a gentleman. I wish there were more like him.
Sorry to learn of Howells passing. I worked with Howell in the Safety Group at Eastman. He was a true gentleman. Howell and Bernice were friends of my mom , Mary Holbrook for man years, Rest in peace my friend
