Richard Jenkins

Richard K. Jenkins passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2024 in Little Rock, AR. He was born on May 9, 1940 in Camden AR to Johnnie Godwin Jenkins and Elwood D. Jenkins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elwood D. Jenkins and Johnnie G. Jenkins, his older brother Thomas E. Jenkins and his sister-in-law Anniece White Jenkins.

Richard graduated from Harding Academy in Searcy AR and then graduated from Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, NH with a BA in Psychology. He then graduated from Henderson State University with an MA in Counseling.

His years of employment included Stetson School in Barry MA, and Ouachita Children’s Center, Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, and as a field counselor all in Hot Springs, AR. His last 17 years were as a Correctional Counselor Program Leader with the Arkansas Department of Corrections, primarily with the Cummins Unit in Grady AR and the Diagnostic Unit in Pine Bluff, AR.

In retirement, Richard worked for Fizer’s and Walmart in Sheridan for a number of years. He really enjoyed setting aside eggs and other food gathered by the associates for the Arkansas Food Bank.

He received the “Valentine of the Year” award in 2004 from the Sheridan Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Sheridan while his mother was a resident there.

His hobbies included being an active member of the Church and with various civic clubs. He was a charter member of the Sheridan Civitan Club and a member of the Fordyce Civitan Club. He was very proud of the work the Clubs did with handicapped adults and children, and for other people in need.

Richard said that he was blessed with opportunities to take care of widows, orphans and to serve the physically and mentally ill inmates in prison, and to help in feeding the hungry. He loved his work with the Church and his goal was to live by example so everyone in the community would visit and hopefully become a Christian. He believed outstanding singing, Bible study, fellowship would be a blessing to everyone.

Additionally, Richard was a member of the Battle of Jenkins Ferry Chapter #20, Military Order of Stars and Bars and was Chairman of the Friends of Jenkins Ferry for several years. In 2011 the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War Battle at Jenkins Ferry was celebrated with a battle reenactment and other activities in Sheridan AR. Richard was always a Civil War buff, even since he was young boy growing up in Camden AR. He lived in an antebellum home with his mother and grandmother. That home was taken and used by the north during the Civil War. He worked often on his family connection to Jenkin’s Ferry and its importance in the Civil War.

Richard felt that he was a much loved southern, Christian gentleman.

A celebration of life will be 2:00 p.m., Sunday, July 28, 2024 at Sheridan Church of Christ 901 N. Main Street in Sheridan, with visitation one hour prior to the service.

Arrangements by Buie Funeral Home of Sheridan (870) 942-3231.  Please sign online guestbook www.buiefuneralhome.com