WORTHVILLE, NC  -  Gary Taylor Jenkins, 85, of Worthville, unexpectedly went to be with the Lord Wednesday, March 20, 2024.  A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 10:30 AM at First United Methodist Church of Sneads Ferry with Rev. Rob Licht  officiating. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Montford Landing Road, Jacksonville, NC.

Mr. Jenkins grandchildren, J.R. George, Joshua George, Ricky Ross, Eric Ross, Taylor Jensen, Trevor Jensen, and Nicholas Jensen will have the honor of serving as pallbearers.

Gary was born April 3, 1938 to John Andrew Jenkins and Frances Vernice McDonald.

Gary was preceded in death by his Parents, John and Frances Jenkins; Sisters, Connie Carrick, and Johnette Lambeth; Brothers, Andrew Jenkins, John Henry Lambeth and an infant brother.

He is survived by his Loving wife, Martha Ellen Jenkins; sisters, Joan Cope and Tamra Mell; brother, John William Jenkins; daughters, Sherry (husband Chuck) Jensen and Michelle (husband the late John) George; sons, Richard Ross, Joseph (wife Kim) Ross, Jerry Mann, and Chris (wife Amy) Mann; grandchildren, Taylor, Trevor, Nicholas, Stephanie, Stacy, J.R., Ricky, Eric, Ximena, Kiersten, Kendyll, Christian, Breanna, Jerry Jr, Joshua and Chase; great-grandchildren, Noah, Brooke, Blake, Abby, Natalie, and Luke.

Gary was a Life Scout of Boys Scouts of America. He proudly served in the United States Navy on the USS Forrestal. He was a retiree of IBM, a co-owner of the Blue Dolphin Dive Shop, a Master Scuba Instructor, a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, and a member of the Sneads Ferry UMC. He was a devoted spouse, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Gary was loving, adventurous, and known for his sharp mind, wit, and generosity. He adored his family, friends, bulldogs, and the ocean.

The family will receive friends  Monday, March 25, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at First United Methodist Church of Sneads Ferry.

Memorials can be made in his memory to the First United Methodist Church of Sneads Ferry.