Ronald Emmit Jenkins

Mr. Ronald "Ronnie" Emmit Jenkins passed away October 26, 2021, at the age of 87, in Charleston, South Carolina. Ronnie was born November 10, 1933, in Charleston, to Doris and Thomas Jenkins. He graduated from Moultrie High School in 1952, where he excelled in multiple sports, winning numerous sporting and academic awards. He attended The Citadel, where he played football until being injured, majored in electrical engineering, and upon graduation in 1956 was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force (USAF).

In his senior year at The Citadel, Ronnie met the love of his life, future wife, and soulmate, the former Myrtis McLain. Following graduation, Ronnie worked at NASA in Hampton, VA while awaiting entry onto active duty in the USAF. Ronnie and Myrtis were first assigned to Edwards AFB, California where their family began. Karan, Sharon, Ron, and Lisa were all born in California. In 1962, the family moved back home to Charleston where their youngest daughter, Cathy was born. Ronnie worked at the Charleston Naval Shipyard until retiring in 1973. He then served as the SC Public Railways Commission's Director of Engineering until retiring in 1994. Ronnie and his family are members of the Church of the Nativity on James Island. Ronnie was best known for his integrity, strong work ethic, intelligence, humble and gentle nature, and love for his family. He always talked proudly about Myrtis, his kids, and his grandkids. He saw the best in everyone and everything; he truly had a love for all.

Ronnie is survived by his wife and best friend of 65 years, Myrtis M. Jenkins, his children and their spouses, Karan Sorensen, Sharon Dale (Ashley), Ron Jenkins (Brenda), Lisa Horner (Bob), and Cathy Young (Larry), 16 grandchildren, 19 (soon to be 20) great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews who cherished his love and friendship. He will be sorely missed as he joins his brothers, sisters, parents, and all of God's children to be with God in Heaven.

The visitation and viewing will be held October 29, 2020, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (Rosary at 6 PM) at McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 347 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412.

The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on October 30, 2021, at the Church of the Nativity, 1061 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412, followed by the burial at Holy Cross Cemetery, 604 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412.

In lieu of flowers, donation may be made in honor of Ronald E. Jenkins to the Carter May Home at 1660 Ingram Road, Charleston, SC 29407 or at https://charitiessc.org/donate (add Carter May Home to the Comments); or the Church of Nativity Building Fund, 1061 Folly Rd. Charleston, SC 29412.