George Alexander Jenkins Jr.

Dr. George Alexander "Alex" Jenkins, Jr., 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 11, 2024 following a long illness. Dr. Jenkins was born March 19,1939 in Camden, South Carolina, the son of the late George Alexander Jenkins and Margaret Huffman Jenkins. He grew up in Columbia, South Carolina and graduated from Dreher High School in 1957 where he was a standout basketball player. He attended the University of South Carolina followed by the Medical College of Virginia where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1965. He then established a family dentistry practice in Columbia where he practiced for the next 45 years. He was particularly fond of his dental colleagues and was an active participant in several study clubs. He was truly cherished by many long-term patients.

He was a lifelong member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church where over the years he enjoyed serving as both Deacon and Elder, and particularly enjoyed his time coaching his “Blue Angel” youth basketball team.

He was a long-term member of Forest Lake Country Club where he enjoyed playing both tennis and golf and many lasting friendships. He also particularly enjoyed being a member of the St Andrew Society where he served in various roles over the years. More recently, he very much enjoyed spending time with the “39ers” from Dreher High School.

He was passionate about all sports and was a regular at University of South Carolina games as well as countless grandchildren’s sporting events. He also greatly enjoyed spending time with his family at Litchfield Beach where he loved to fish, play golf, play basketball with the young guys, and hang out on the beach.

Dr. Jenkins is survived by his loving wife of over 61years, Elizabeth James “Betty” Jenkins, his 3 sisters, Margaret (Margie) Brown (the late Robert Sims Brown), Doris Stapel (Ed), and Diane Grayson (Jim), his sons and daughters-in-law, Dr George Alexander Jenkins III (Heather), Dr Spencer James Jenkins (Stuart), and Dr John Walter Jenkins (Marne).

He is also survived by his nine beloved grandchildren, Alexander, Spencer, Emily, Anne, Hamilton, Graham, Ada, Page, and Barra and many other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 17th at 3:00 pm in the sanctuary of Eastminster Presbyterian Church with a reception to follow in Thompson Hall. Interment will be private.

Memorials may be made to Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 3200 Trenholm Rd., Columbia SC 29204.