Gene Thomas Jenkins

Gene Thomas Jenkins, 87, born July 31, 1936, in Chatham County, NC to Thomas Glenn Jenkins and Terressa Milligan Jenkins, passed away October 8, 2023. 

Gene was known as the “Collard Man” in Durham County for over 50 years.  He was the owner of Gene Jenkins Loader and Backhoe Service for over 40 years before retiring in 2005 to pursue his passion of raising collard greens.  He enjoyed restoring antique tractors with his son and going to tractor shows.  He enjoyed riding around on Sunday evenings with his wife of 65 years and listening to bluegrass on WQDR.  He was a member of Lowe’s Grove Baptist Church and the Young Men’s Sunday School class.

He is survived by his wife Ida “Tootsie” Langdon Jenkins, son Greg Jenkins (Kim), daughter Cindy Jenkins (Steven Strickland), granddaughter Langdon Jenkins, sisters Joan Fox of Mocksville, Joyce Sosnowski (Bob) of Julian, numerous nieces, and nephews. Long time friend Grover Lewter, his buddies Reggie Johnson and Mike Amidon and his shop cats Lemon & Iris.

Honorary pallbearers will be Brian Jenkins, Ray Inscoe, Doug Green, Wayne Wrenn, Rusty Vaughn, Ken Knight, Al Worthington, John Madren and Larry Strickland.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at Lowes Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. A visitation will be held prior to the service at the cemetery from 10:15-11:00 a.m. Officiating will be David Ferrell, Rev. Mike Clark, and Rev. Jesse Hembree.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to the Lowes Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 4430 S Alston Ave, Durham, NC 27713.