Michael “Pop” Jenkins
Michael “Pop” Jenkins, 61, of Ringgold, Georgia, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2022, surrounded by his loved ones. For the last 29 months of his life, Mike battled and surpassed his doctor’s expectations against Glioblastoma, a devastating and aggressive form of brain cancer. Mike never once complained and endured months of treatment with a smile on his face.
Mike was born to Aaron and Lawanda Jenkins on July 17, 1960 in Hendersonville, NC. He was the oldest of their three children. Mike was a 1978 graduate of Lakeview Fort Oglethorpe High School where he was an active member of the Key Club. Mike married his high school sweetheart, Patty Gilliam, in September 1979. They raised two daughters together and were married for 42 years. After first entering the car business at the age of 15 as a wash boy, Mike worked at City Dodge and Capitol Toyota in Chattanooga, before joining his dad and brother at the family dealership, Jenkins Chrysler Dodge Jeep, in Lafayette, Ga., where he worked until he was 59 years old.
Known to those who loved him best as Pop, Mike was a lover of the outdoors and all things Alabama football…Roll Tide! He leaves behind a legacy of goodhearted practical jokes, tales of the deer and fish that got away, and an abundance of love and fun. Mike never met a stranger and was always ready to lend a helping hand. He was a servant in his church for many years. His family has most recently attended and been members at Peavine Baptist Church, where Mike served on the finance committee.
Mike was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Lawanda Jenkins.
He leaves behind his wife, Patty Gilliam Jenkins; his daughters, Casi Jenkins, Britt (Matt) Gann; his grandchildren, Maddi (Josh) Carter, Cole Browder, Owen Gann, and Cali Trotter. Also surviving Mike is his father, Aaron (Deborah) Jenkins, his brother, Mark (Teresa) Jenkins, and his sister, Elecia (Aaron) Middleton, along with nieces and nephews, his church family, and countless lifelong friends close enough to consider family.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, at Peavine Baptist Church in Rock Spring, Ga., with Pastor Denny Patrick, Joel Jenkins, and Dr. Stephen Anthony officiating.
Interment will follow in Peavine Baptist Church Cemetery.
Visitation will be on Saturday, from 11 a.m.– 2 p.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Michael’s honor to- Friends of Momance (www.friendsofmomance.org) or Mending Arrow Ranch (www.mendingarrowranch.org) as these causes were dear to his heart.
Visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share condolences and memories.
Arrangements are entrusted to Heritage Funeral Home, E. Brainerd Chapel.