Fred Junior Jenkins, 88, of Mooresville, N.C., went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on August 21, 1935, in Taylorsville, N.C., to the late Dock Solomon Watts and Fary May Wilson Watts. At the age of 5, due to the passing of his parents, he was adopted by Robert Fred Jenkins and Glennie Irene Bracken Jenkins, who loved and adored him.

Fred was retired from the United States Air Force after serving 21 years. Upon retirement, he attended Southwestern Theological Baptist Seminary and served in full-time music ministry for seven years.

During his retirement, he served faithfully as minister of music for many years. He also enjoyed being a substitute teacher with the Mooresville Graded School System for 10 years. Fred was a founding member of Trinity Baptist Church in Mooresville. He always had a joke to tell and a hug to give. Fred loved the Lord, his family, and his friends with all his heart. He truly had a servant’s heart; to know Fred was to love him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son-in-law, James Mullins; and eight brothers and sisters.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Geraldine “Gerry” Breadmont Jenkins; children, Joni Nathanson (Steve), Jami Halstead (Mark), Joie Mullins, Jennifer James (Scott), and Jeffrey Jenkins (Heather); 12 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 23, from 10 to 11 a.m. with a service following at 11 a.m. at Trinity Baptist Church, Mooresville, with Rev. Dr. Mark Harris officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow the service at 2 p.m. at the Salisbury National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Baptist Church, PO Box 3365, Mooresville, NC 28117.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Jenkins family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.