Rusty Jenkins

Rusty was born on July 27, 1964, in Clarksdale, Mississippi. He grew up in Helena, Arkansas, in the Mississippi Delta, the home of the blues, where he spent his days waterskiing on Moon Lake and his nights dragging Cherry Street around the Dough-Boy. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon High School Fraternity and graduated from Central High School in Helena.

Rusty married his soulmate, Lisa Kyser, on April 12, 1997, in a magical and dreamy ceremony at Marlsgate Plantation. They spent over 21 years together in life and in love. He filled most of his days devoted to his family and their two daughters, Tatum and Jett; it was the most important job he had, and the one that he loved the most.

Rusty Jenkins served as Executive VP and CFO of Highfield Capital, the Kyser Family Office. Prior to joining Highfield Capital, Rusty served as accounting and finance manager for UPS in Little Rock, Arkansas, and also worked for Vantage Companies, First-Worthing Multifamily Communities and Bradford Commercial Real Estate Company in Dallas, Texas. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and his MBA in Business Management from the University of Dallas. He was a member of the Sigma Zeta Chapter of Sigma Iota Epsilon National Honorary and Professional Management Fraternity. Rusty was also licensed by the State of Texas as a real estate broker and was an active member of the North Texas Commercial Association of Realtors (NTCAR).

He was an accomplished athlete, slalom water skier, watersport enthusiast, yolo-boarding expert, sports fanatic and travel buff. And loved sharing all of that with his family. Rusty became enamoured with Paul "Bear" Bryant as a child, and the Alabama Crimson Tide. He especially loved to see them win multiple national championships through the years and loved sharing those moments with his family and friends. He was a prolific collector of sports memorabilia, especially of teams and players who he loved.

Rusty was an active member of Highland Park United Methodist Church, where he attended with his family. He was also a member of Dallas National Golf Club and Lakewood Country Club. He was an avid golfer and an amazing team coach to his girls; he also had a lasting and important influence on many children other than his own who were lucky enough to know him on and off the field. He had a huge, full heart and did so much for so many who did not have an advocate for themselves, both for people he knew and for organizations like Pets on Wheels and Meals on Wheels. He would often take in a stray dog, or a friend in need or in transition with no place to land. If anyone had a problem, they came to Rusty. He was the problem solver.

Always looking for the next BIG fun, Rusty loved to bring all of his people with him. He always tried to outdo your best joke and he considered himself to be the funniest guy in the room. And he usually was. He was a clothes horse and a style hunter -- with a twinkle in his eye. And that hair…oh that hair. Rusty lived a charmed life and would light up every room with his big luminous smile. There’s a reason that his nickname was “Hollywood”. He was the best friend, the best husband and the best father -- his greatest and most important legacy.

Rusty is survived by his wife, Lisa Kyser Jenkins, and their two precious daughters who were the light of his life, Tatum Kyser Jenkins and Jett Presley Jenkins.

He is also survived by his mother, Opal Jones Jenkins of Helena, Arkansas. His father was the late Thomas Isadore Jenkins, also of Helena. He is also survived by his mother and father-in-law, Pat and Dr. James F. Kyser of Little Rock, Arkansas. His paternal grandparents were Jon and Ollie Jenkins, and his maternal grandparents were Grover and Verdie Jones.

Rusty is survived by his brothers, Thomas Gregg Jenkins and niece, Heidi Jenkins of Helena, Arkansas; Joseph Adam Jenkins, and sister-in-law Andrea and nephew Eli of North Little Rock, Arkansas; sister-in-law Tracy Ann Kyser and niece Tallulah of Dallas, Texas; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Stephanie and Dr. Steven McClain Kyser of Little Rock, Arkansas; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Margaret and Dr. Greg Kyser of Nashville, Tennessee; as well has his favorite dogs, Levi and Cooper.

Rusty was predeceased by his brother, Marshall DeWayne Jenkins and his favorite dog, Rex. He leaves behind so very many dear friends and family who loved him dearly, and wish they had one more time to ROLL TIDE with him.

Visitation with the family will be held at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home in Dallas, Texas, on Sunday, October 14, 2018, from 4:00PM until 6:00PM. The funeral service will be held at Highland Park United Methodist Church, in Wesley Hall, Dallas, Texas, on Monday, October 15th, at 1:00PM.

Pallbearers are Wade Cox, John Doolen, Adam Jenkins, Mark Reynolds and Lenny Segal.

Rusty’s final resting place will be at the Columbarium at Highland Park United Methodist Church.

Memorials may be made to VNA Meals on Wheels Pet Care Program, 1440 W. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX, 75247, or on the Pet Care Program tab on the Donate link at their website www.vnatexas.org or to Highland Park United Methodist Church Youth online at www.give.hpumc.org.