Rodney Jenkins

Rodney Randolph Jenkins, Sr.
August 23, 1946 – September 11, 2026

Rodney Randolph Jenkins, Sr., 80, of Maypearl, Texas, passed away on September 11, 2026. Born on August 23, 1946, in Appalachia, Virginia, Rodney lived a life grounded in faith, family, hard work, and service to others. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend whose generosity and willingness to help left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

Rodney shared nearly fifty years of marriage with his beloved wife, Barbara. Together they built a home and raised their family with faith at the center of their lives. Barbara preceded him in death in December 2023, and the life they built together remained an enduring part of his story.

Rodney served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War. He later earned a degree in accounting and owned a propane company in Midlothian, Texas. After selling the business, he retired at age 52—but retirement did not keep him idle for long. He went on to manage the Sally Beauty distribution center and later found an unexpected source of joy driving a school bus for Maypearl ISD. He loved the children on his route, and they loved him. He continued driving until his health made it necessary to stop.

A man of deep Christian faith, Rodney was a longtime member of the Waxahachie Seventh-day Adventist Church. During the last year of his life, he and his daughter Missy also attended the Burleson Seventh-day Adventist Church together, sharing nearly a year of worship and treasured Sabbath mornings. Both church families were important to him.

One of the ministries closest to Rodney’s heart was prison ministry. Once a month, at the Boyd Unit he co-led a program for incarcerated individuals. He genuinely loved this work and the opportunity to share his faith, offer encouragement, and spend time with the men they visited. His ministry reflected a belief he lived by: faith was meant to be put into action.

Rodney was a gifted woodworker and woodturner who made beautiful furniture, including pieces still treasured in the family home. He could fix just about anything and was generous with both his time and his knowledge. Practical, resourceful, and famously frugal, he cared far more about people and a job well done than about material possessions.

Above all, Rodney loved his family. He made sure his children received a Christian education and raised them with strong values, clear expectations, and a foundation of faith. He was a firm but dependable father whose love remained constant through life’s challenges.

Rodney and his son, Rodney Jr., shared a love of camping and working with their hands. They traveled together to places including Arkansas and Colorado and spent many hours working on motorcycles. Their relationship grew especially close in recent years. Rodney welcomed his son with open arms, and the renewed closeness they shared became a meaningful chapter in both their lives.

His daughter Melissa, known to family and friends as Missy, treasured their time together, particularly their Sabbath mornings at church. No matter how busy Rodney was or what project occupied him, he answered when she called. Always.
Rodney shared an especially close bond with his grandson Kevin, who called him “Poppy.” When Kevin was born, Rodney was the first to hold him, beginning a special relationship filled with camping trips, adventures, and time together. Their travels included snowboarding in Colorado on many occasions, trips to Mexico, San Francisco, Arkansas, and many other places. Rodney had a gift for making the people he loved feel important.

He also loved a good mental challenge, especially Wordle. Missy could never quite beat him, and he continued playing until just two days before his passing—a small but cherished reminder of his sharp mind and determination.

Rodney was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara Jenkins; his daughter, Kimberly King; his sister, Pearl McLeod; his brother, Steve Jenkins; and his niece Darla Jenkins, daughter of Steve Jenkins.

He is survived by his son, Rodney Jenkins, Jr.; his daughter, Melissa “Missy” Jenkins; and his grandchildren, Kevin “Sebastian” Erwin and Summer King. He is also survived by his siblings, Muncie “Monroe” Jenkins and his wife, Joyce; Becky Hall, whose husband, Jim, preceded her in death; and James Jenkins and his wife, Sherrie.

He is lovingly remembered by his brother-in-law Darrell Madis; his nieces and nephews Pattigale Edwards and her husband, Randy; Candi Turney and her husband, Ben; George Madis Jr.; Harold Madis; Amy Mayser; Jonathan Jenkins; Abigail White; and Andrew Jenkins; his wife Barbara’s nieces and nephews, Lisa Johnson, Greg Smith, Christy Harder, David Madis Jr., and Kara Shilling; and his honorary daughters, Kim Lincoln and Wendy Ward, whom he loved as his own, along with many other relatives and dear friends.

Whether he was sharing Scripture, visiting the Boyd Unit, helping someone repair something, greeting children on his school bus, or spending time with family, Rodney gave generously of himself. He leaves a legacy of faith, forgiveness, service, and love—and memories that will remain with those whose lives he touched.
Memorial service

A celebration of Rodney’s life will be held Friday, September 25, 2026, at Midlothian Funeral Home, 200 East Avenue East, Midlothian, Texas 76065. Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m., followed by the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. For those unable to attend, a livestream link is expected to be posted on the funeral home’s website approximately one hour before the service.