George “Red” Franklin Solon Jenkins
Feb. 22, 1939 – May 12, 2020
George Franklin “Red” Jenkins, age 81, passed away May 12, 2020 in the comfort of his home in Montpelier, Virginia after battling cancer. Red was born on February 22, 1939, to William and Margaret Jenkins in Augusta County, Virginia. Since a young age, he made the Greater Richmond Area his home.
Red was wholeheartedly enthusiastic for life, family, and community in every stage of his life. He was not just a fan of softball, he was a pitcher when he was younger, started a community team, and, eventually, managed and sponsored the Red Jenkins Amoco Team, comprised of police and fire department and church members. This team did become the team to beat. His smile also often shined with a team in the bowling alleys. And then, NASCAR and the open road kept him in the RV and rooting for Dale Earnhardt. The miles on his RV were always on the rise.
Red was a friend to all and was constantly expanding his personal dynasty of people, places, and experiences. After a stint as an EMT and then as a police officer for the City of Richmond, he began his successful career as an owner and operator of numerous service stations around Richmond starting with his first one in 1967. Perhaps best known for Red Jenkins’ Amoco at Route 1 and Parham, his legacy lives on in Red Jenkins Auto Center just down the road. Wherever it was, Red’s shop has been a gathering place for all customers and a hub for state and local police and EMT personnel. This was the place to meet, to have coffee, and shoot the breeze. Getting the police cruiser inspected was just a side benefit for his state trooper family when stopping by the shop. One trooper often joked that “there was a question on the VSP entrance exam asking the location of Red Jenkins’ place.”
Red exemplified the meaning of a true friend and never knew a stranger. He saw people not just for who they were but for who they could be. His encouragement and support were powerful and helped so many through difficult times. He will forever be remembered for his big smile and even bigger heart.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Watson; brothers Carl and Russell Jenkins (spouse Rita); sister Barbara Regan; children Elizabeth Willis, Marie Zacharias, and Susan Jenkins; his stepchildren Dottie, Lee, Kenny, and Thomas (spouse Janet) Brooks, Donna Bailey, Andy (spouse Jason), Tony Jr. (spouse Terri), Ginny (spouse Greg), and Jennifer Watson; 18 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and lifelong friends and customers.
He is preceded in death by his parents William and Margaret Jenkins; sisters Catherine Bandy, Shirley Lavin, and Helen Jenkins; brother Billy Jenkins; first wife Becky Jenkins; and second wife Pat Jenkins.
A celebration of life will be held at a future date. In remembrance of Red and his wonderful contributions to us all, memorial donations may be made to: The Virginia State Police Association, Emergency Relief Fund (www.vspa.org/donate/erf.html) or the local police or emergency management department of your choice.
Arrangements by Affinity Funeral Service Richmond Chapel.
A true friend to everyone he met! He has a very fond place in my memory and on my heart!
It’s often easy to tell how loved and influential a person is by their obituary. I believe there are many of us that could add even more about Red — our respect and love for him — to this memory of our friend. His kindness stretched across many generations. He left a lasting impression of how a friend could be, and I am blessed to be counted as one of his.
Playing softball with Red on the OLL church team in the GlenAllen Church league has always provided me with numerous fond memories…….even after 30 years
Thank you my friend….
Many a State Police cruiser has been serviced or repaired by Red and his crew, Kenny, Lee and Mike. Red always had a smile on his face, a laugh to share, and a story to tell. He will be missed by all of us.
Captain Timothy P. Ring (Retired), Virginia State Police