David Jenkins

July 31, 1944 - February 01, 2025

Text:

Obituary For David Jenkins

David Jenkins, 80, of Lenoir, NC passed away on February 1, 2025 in Cary, NC.

Born July 31, 1944, to Willard and Verna Jenkins, David grew up in a godly home, the son of a Baptist preacher. David became a Christian at the age of 14 under his own father’s preaching. After graduating from Princeton High School in Mercer County, WV, he joined the Navy as a radioman aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), participating in airborne missions on the A-3 Skywarrior. After the Navy, David attended Concord College and earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

David married the love of his life, Donna Robinson of Princeton, WV, in June of 1969. He supported his growing young family, working for Burlington Industries in accounting for eight years before he sensed God’s call to the mission field. He first served with JAARS in Waxhaw, NC as part of the radio department, and in 1980 he and his family moved to the Philippines to serve as missionaries with Wycliffe Bible Translators/SIL. Among other duties, David coordinated radio communication with Bible translators in the field, repairing equipment and conducting daily check-ins with the translators. Later, he served with Action International Ministries in administrative roles as part of their ministry to the poor of Metro Manila. David and his family returned to the US after 20 years in the Philippines to care for his aging parents.

David was a faithful, patient, generous, and loving husband and father. He had a passion for learning, whether it was history or the latest computer networking technology. Ever mindful of others’ needs, he even earned a master’s degree in Biblical Counseling to further support and guide those around him. Known affectionately as “Gabby” in the Navy for his penchant to chat, David also nurtured a lifelong hobby as a ham radio operator (callsign K4COG), regularly participating in hamfests and disaster preparedness exercises.

David is survived by his wife, Donna; his brother, Alan; his children, Deanna Nichols, Kimberly Craig, and Michael Jenkins; and nine grandchildren. God’s grace and faithfulness were evident his whole life, sustaining him to the very end. He will be missed dearly, but we know that for those like David whose faith is in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior “...to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21 ESV).

Services

7 Feb

Viewing and Visitation

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

The Shepherd's Church 6051 Tryon Rd Cary, NC 27518 Get Directions »
7 Feb

Funeral Service

11:00 AM

The Shepherd's Church 6051 Tryon Rd Cary, NC 27518 Get Directions »
7 Feb

Burial

01:00 PM

Historic Oakwood Cemetery 701 Oakwood Avenue Raleigh, NC 27601 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

  • February 22, 2025

    William

    Dear Ms. Donna, I'm deeply saddened about Mr. David's passing and my heart goes out to you. I pray The Lord's comfort and strength and peace for you and your family during this difficult time.

  • February 22, 2025

    Roger and Joanne Green

    Our condolences to the whole family. It was good to catch up a bit some years ago with Deanna. I was happy to see God's blessing in Deanna's life. We remain thankful to Robbie for his great kindness to our son Nathan. Nathan still talks of going to visit Mr. Nichols. Our hearts go out to you all at this time of Dave going ahead of us all. May the depth and sweetness of God's presence strengthen and comfort you in these days. Roger and Joanne Green

  • February 11, 2025

    DeWayne and Regina Williams

    Dear Donna and family, You have our sincere condolences on the passing of Dave. We will miss him and our conversations prior to service of Sundays. May Jesus comfort you and give you His peace.

  • February 08, 2025

    David Immel

    I knew Dave for many years, and we were good ham radio buddies. I will miss him but one day we will meet again. I am praying for Donna and the family as they move through this difficult time of adjustment and on into the future. 73's - Dave Immel (KE4EW)

  • February 07, 2025

    John and Marj Walton

    Dear Donna, I'm sadden to hear of Dave's home going, and pray God's grace and comfort for you and the girls during this time. As you know, Dave was a dear friend to me during our time in the Philippines, and both of you to Marj and me. (You two were the first to hear about Philip's birth-I think at about 2 AM I knocked on your door.) Dave was part of a small group of men that met together weekly in Manila. I always appreciated his godly wisdom and insights that he shared.

  • February 07, 2025

    Norman and Patricia Purvis

    Patricia and I served in the Philippines for 15 years. During that time I always enjoyed times with David. Always kind and gracious, a wonderful man. Our prayers for Donna and family.

  • February 06, 2025

    Marjorie Cook

    Dear Donna. Was sorry to hear about David's homegoing. I've lost track of you and all you are doing. May you know the Lord's comfort and presence as you go through these days. My email is mcook3732@gmail.com. If you like, send me a note so we can set up a time to talk. Love and prayers, Marjorie Cook

Add a Candle or Spiritual Image

Click below to add to your message.