Rufus Jenkins Jr.

Rufus Jenkins, Jr. was born May 9, 1931, to Elsie and Rufus Jenkins, Sr. in Hemingway, South Carolina. His parents, four siblings and their spouses preceded him in death. Levi Sr. (Mary Lee), Leroy, Albertha (George Williams, Jr.) and Elizabeth Jenkins. EDUCATION: Rufus was educated in the Williamsburg County School System in Hemingway, SC CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE: Rufus united with The House of God Church in 1954 and later received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost under Bishop W. L. Nelson who was the Presiding State Bishop of South Carolina and Florida East Coast Diocese. In the early 1950's, Rufus was a member of the Morrisville Quartet Band as a singer and guitarist. The group broadcasted out of Kingstree, SC on Sundays; they traveled to NC and GA for live performances under the management of the Reverend Charlie Gordon. Rufus played baseball during the early 1950's for Stuckey Brothers Furniture Company in South Carolina. On January 22, 1955, Rufus was joined in Holy Matrimony to Emma Montgomery. The couple relocated to Miami, Florida in 1960. His wife joined the Miami Liberty City House of God Church and he later joined under the Pastor, the late General Elder Levi Wilson. WORK EXPERIENCE: In his early years, Rufus worked on a farm in Hemingway, South Carolina. He began his formal work experience shearing sheep at Wellman Coleman Company in Johnsonville, SC. After relocating to Miami, he was employed by Royal Cabinet Company in Hialeah, FL as a long-distance truck driver. Rufus worked for several years as an experienced auto mechanic. He later became the "First Black Owner of a Texaco Service Station" on 71 St & 7th Ave in Miami Dade County. Rufus rounded out his working career retiring from Metro-Dade County Department of Solid Waste. He leaves to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy a devoted wife of 68 years, Emma Jenkins. Two beautiful children: His daughter, Linda Manley (Josh) of Elkridge, MD; Son, Barry Jenkins (Tarsha) of Vero Beach, FL; Brother: Don Edward Jenkins, Hemingway, SC; Sisters: Jessie Mae Cisco (Richard) of Raleigh, NC; Ruthena Jenkins of Atlanta, GA; 6 Grandchildren: Chanel, Josh, Ashley, Destinee, Eric & Erin; 3 Great-Grandchildren: Da'Mir, Tatiana and Zariyah. Godchildren: Lisa Strong (deceased), Latisha Vining, Jason Waiters, Raphina Thompkins and Joe Riley, Jr. Special acknowledgment to Uly Rollie, a devoted Cousin and a host of family and friends who loved him dearly. Be comforted by these words: Joshua 1:9 "Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Rufus Jenkins Jr.

May 9, 1931 - July 25, 2023