Henry Vance Jenkins Sr

February 25, 1934 - March 5, 2017

Henry Vance Jenkins, Sr., 83, of Mint Hill, died surrounded by family and friends on Sunday, March 5, 2017, at the Novant Medical Center in Matthews, NC. Henry was born in Union County on February 25, 1934, the third of twelve children born to Dexter Wilford and Eliza Haney Jenkins, who owned and ran a farm. After graduating from Marshville High School, Henry enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1953 during the Korean Conflict. He spent most of his four year tour of duty at sea, where he saw action at the Suez Canal and enjoyed seeing the many ports of the world. On July 14, 1956, he married Shirley Ann Helms and they moved to Mecklenburg shortly after he was discharged in 1957. They bought their house in Mint Hill in 1961 and have been there ever since. Upon his discharge in 1957, Henry went to work for Johnson Motor Lines where he was a Long Line Supervisor for 23 years and one of the last employees to work until the end when Johnson shut down in 1980. In 1982, Henry went to work for Watkins Motor Lines. Watkins had purchased the old Johnson Motor Lines office building and ironically, Henry returned to the same office, desk and chair he had occupied while employed with Johnson. He loved his job so much that in addition to the 23 years he spent with Johnson, he added another 25 years with Watkins before retiring in 2007. A natural athlete, Henry enjoyed many sports. He did not care which sport was “in season” as he was active year round in fishing, bowling, golfing, horseshoes and horseback riding. He not only enjoyed these activities, he excelled at them. As a member of the Johnson Motor Lines bowling team, he almost bowled a three hundred game, throwing 10 straight strikes only to pick up the spare on his last ball. In golf, while competing in a tournament for the blind, he teed off on the 18th hole. As his team approached the green, they could not see his ball. It was then that the ladies operating the scoring table near the green confirmed that he had in fact hit a 200 yard 5 iron for a “hole in one”! Most of all, Henry had a desire to live life to the fullest and his life of service showed brightly in many areas. He served his employer and those he supervised faithfully for over 48 years. He served his country and all of its citizens in the USMC. He served his church family. But most of all, Henry served his friends and family by being an incredible son, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend. He will truly be missed by all those who were blessed to know this incredible man. He is survived by his five children: Vanessa Robinette (husband Rick) of Charlotte, Henry Jenkins Jr. (wife Lisa) of Southport, NC; Gregory Jenkins of Charlotte; Todd Jenkins (wife Kelly) of Fuquay Varina, NC; and Christopher Jenkins of Oak Island, NC. He is also survived by grandchildren: Ashley DiPalma (husband Austen), Kyle Robinette, Holly Jenkins Coates (husband Justin), Lindsey Jenkins, Daniel Jenkins, Kristen Burke (husband Dan), Brooke Bajak (husband Artur), and Garrett Jenkins. Henry was a dear great grandfather to Brittany Shaw, Kaleb Coates, Hunter Jenkins, Abigail Jenkins, Taylor Jenkins, Miller Burke, Ryley Bajak and Alexandria Noel Coates. One of twelve children, Henry is also survived by his siblings:Bert Haigler, Troy (wife Joyce) Jenkins, Pat (husband Floyd) Haigler, Earl (wife Vivian) Jenkins, Nelson (wife Patti) Jenkins, Diane (husband Bill) Glassberg and Cathy (husband Buster) Faile. Henry is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley, in October of 2016, as well as his parents and siblings Graham Jenkins, Jane Helms, Ray Jenkins and Alice Purser. A service to honor the life, love and blessing of Henry led by Pastor Matthew Broadway will be held at noon on Thursday, March 9, 2017, at Dulin’s Grove Church, 11200 Arlington Church Road, Charlotte, NC 28227. The family will receive friends for visitation at the church from 11 am until the time of service. Following his request and honoring his love for his wife and the sea, Henry’s cremated remains will be scattered on the water near Frying Pan Tower off Oak Island. In lieu of flowers, Henry’s family respectfully requests any memorials be made to either the Dulin’s Grove Church Kitchen Fund in care of the address listed above or to any charity of personal choice. Henry’s family has given the family of Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home the privilege of caring for them. Please take a moment to share a memory, photo, video or condolence on his Tribute Wall.