On January 28th, 2023, Charles Earl Jenkins, age 54, known to family and friends as “Bud” or “Sarge”, went to rest in the arms of Jesus after a 13+ year battle with illness. There he was reunited with loved ones who had gone on before, especially his dad, Edwin (Ted) Jenkins; his maternal grandparents, Eddie and Marie Atkinson; paternal grandparents, Edwin (Red) and Eleanor Jenkins; and Uncle Wayne Harris.
Surviving and missing him deeply are his mother, Kaye Atkinson Harris, and stepfather, Nolan Harris, of Burnsville, NC; his brother and sister-in-law, David and Nicole Jenkins of Weaverville, NC; stepbrother and wife, James and Jill Harris of Rigby, ID; stepsisters: Cindy (Tom) Case of Whitefish, Montana, Sally (Rick) Murtagh of North Canton, OH; Betsy Keriazakos of Hilton Head, SC, and Nancy Sellars of Fredericksburg, MD; Uncle Earl (Roxanne) Atkinson of Greenwell Springs, LA; Aunt Catherine Atkinson of Winston-Salem, NC; Aunt Lillie McPhee of Burnsville, NC; Aunt Wilma (Wayne) McCurry of Burnsville, NC; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family wants to especially thank Nancy Rutkowski and Lesa Autrey for their help during the long years of Bud’s illness, and the love and care shown to him and his family. Without them, it would have been impossible to provide proper care for him. We would also like to thank Hospice of the Blue Ridge for their tender mercies and guidance during the last weeks of his life.
Bud was a Sergeant with the New Orleans Police Department, and the family also wants to extend their gratitude to those members of the police force who kept vigil in his ICU room at the onset of his illness 13 years ago. Their presence and devotion meant a lot to all of us.
There will be no service at this time. A memorial will be held when the weather is warmer and travel plans can be made for those who live far away.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bud’s memory can be made to Hospice of the Blue Ridge, 236 Hospital Drive, Spruce Pine, NC 28777.
To send online condolences please visit: www.yanceyfuneralservice.com
