Richard Curtis Jenkins was born on Monday, August 19, 1946.  He was the firstborn son of Deacon Hiram Jenkins, Jr., and Mrs. Leacy Hunter Jenkins.

Richard’s early education began at the Union School in the Pisgah Crossroads area of Sumter County.  After the family relocated to Sumter, he continued his education at DeLaine Elementary School.  He graduated from Ebenezer High School in Dalzell, South Carolina, Class of 1964.  He attended Voorhees College in Denmark, South Carolina, for three years before being drafted for military service.  He later completed his education at Georgia State University, earning a BS degree after completing active military service.

Richard settled in Atlanta, Georgia, for a thirty-year career with the Georgia Department of Labor, rising through the ranks to a District Manager.  During his stay in Atlanta, Richard served in several capacities in different churches:  Chairman of the Trustee Board at New Light Baptist Church; Usher and Assistant Scout Master at Friendship Baptist Church; Male Usher Board, The Crusaders for Christ Men’s Ministry, The Food Pantry, The Steward Board, and the Outreach Ministry for the Homeless at Saint Philip AME Church.  His community services include coaching Little League Baseball for his son’s team, serving as a band parent for his daughter’s high school band, participating in the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program, and being a member of the Jaycees.  He also served as President and member of the Clayton County, Georgia, Kiwanis Club, which promotes services to children and communities.

Richard joined the Marine Corps Reserves, serving for 30 years and retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 5.  During his time in the Marine Corps, he served in various capacities, including dispatcher, security for nuclear weapons, platoon sergeant, and aircraft mechanic.  After being promoted to Chief Warrant Officer, Richard served as a Training Officer, Flight Line Officer, and Logistics Officer, preparing units for deployment to Kuwait.  During his military career, he received the following: Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Achievement Award, W/Combat V, Joint Military Service Medal, Select Marine Corps Reserve Medal (5), National Defense Service Medal (2), Viet Nam Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal.

In 2022, Richard relocated to Columbia, SC, to be closer to his roots.  He became an active member of his home church, Union Baptist Church in Rembert.  He truly loved being in fellowship with the congregation, most of which is family.  He found great joy working with the Trustees, especially in keeping the lawn and shrubbery well-manicured.  He also enjoyed participating in the weekly Bible Study and the Seniors Ministry, as well as Adult Sunday School.  He was a man of great faith, loved his family and his Union Baptist family, and was always willing to help anyone in need.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers who died in infancy, Benjamin Harrison Jenkins and Julius Leon Jenkins; and two sisters, Earnestine Jenkins Wilson and Bernice Jenkins Pitts.

Richard thoroughly enjoyed traveling nationally, visiting 46 states, and internationally, including Japan, the Philippines, Greece, the Island of Crete, Italy, Egypt, Dubai, and Israel.  He was quite adventurous and enjoyed experiencing activities on his “bucket” list:  parasailing, a hot air balloon ride in New Mexico, a tandem parachute jump, and being driven around a Georgia racetrack at 160 mph!

Richard leaves to cherish his life:  his son Curtis Dion Jenkins and daughter TeSheia Nicole Jenkins Winborne; grandchildren Kendra Janelle Jenkins and Christian Maurice Jenkins Winborne; one brother, Roland E. (Ora) Jenkins; one sister, Roberta J. (Olden) Brooker; six nieces: Sharolyn Pitts (Jonathan) Gregg, Shelia Wilson (Rodney) Jacobs, Rolanda Jenkins (Scottie) Scott, Erin Brooker (Timothy) Doe, Edwardiea Jenkins (Steven) Lambert, and Ashleigh J. Brooker; two nephews:  Daryl M. (Tiffany)  Jenkins and Shawn L. (Sharon) Wilson; numerous relatives, extended family, and friends.

Funeral service will be held on Monday, October 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Union Baptist Church in Rembert.  Burial service will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in Fort Jackson National Cemetery.  Public viewing will be held on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. at Powers Funeal Home.