John Ray Jenkins

John was born to Lewis Jack Jenkins, Sr. and Lily Hudson Jenkins in Nacogdoches, Texas on January 27, 1952. John entered the gates of heaven on Sunday April 14, 2024 at Focused Care Nursing Home in Huntsville, Texas. He was surrounded by his loving family as he went home to be with Jesus.

John is survived by brother Pat Jenkins and wife Carole Jenkins of Humble, Texas. Brother Jack Jenkins and wife Diana Jenkins of Huntsville, Texas. Numerous nieces & nephews along with great nieces & great nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Lily Jenkins and a loving, special niece Jackie Jenkins Bennett.

John spent most of his life in Sheldon, Texas where he served as a Deacon at Freewill Baptist Church alongside longtime friend Pastor Ken Mayo. John loved to study the Bible, he had four Bibles, all were different translations but the one he enjoyed the most was the one with all the notes at the bottom of the page to help him understand what a particular verse meant.

John also loved horses, he spent most of his time tending to them. His first horse was named Rattler. Rattler was a unique horse, John suffered from Epilepsy which caused him to have Grand Mal seizures since he was 10 years old. Somehow Rattler knew when John was having a seizure, if John fell off Rattler, Rattler would not move until John recovered from the seizure. Even with the limitations that epilepsy presented, John found his purpose and passion in caring for his horses. He shared his love and passion with his nieces and nephews through his horse “Ol” Blue. John would saddle Blue up and let the kids “ride” Blue around the pasture (as he held the reins) and tell them what a great job they were doing.

While at the nursing home John made many friends, he went to Bible Study and always wanted to tell his friends about Jesus. He told every nurse and everyone that entered his room about Jesus.

John realized that his time on earth was short, he told us he was ready to go see Jesus & his Momma. We had many meaningful conversations with John the last few weeks he was with us. We prayed with him, read his favorite scriptures, and played his favorite songs. He would give us that little smirky grin and say, “I’m so happy, I am a happy man.” He would tell us over and over that he loved us, and he loved his family.

He asked us to relay a message to his friends and family when he was gone.

“Be nice to people, treat them the way you would want to be treated” Matt. 7:12

“Be like Jesus, Love one another.” John 13:34

He said, “I know Jesus, He died for me so that I could be with Him.” I hope all my family and friends will get to know Him, I want all my family and friends to join me in heaven.