Teddy Jenkins

Teddy Franklin Jenkins, age 84, passed quietly after a long illness on July 31, 2018 at Morningside Assisted Living in Paris, Tennessee.

“Ted” was born in Springfield, Missouri on June 10, 1934 to the late Roy Franklin and Vivian Gladys Jenkins.

He graduated from E. W. Grove High School in 1952 and enlisted with the U.S. army in 1955. His first post was at the Presidio in San Francisco, California, where he met his wife of nearly 62 years, Ruthie Harnish. In 1962, he was accepted to flight school and became a highly decorated helicopter pilot during two tours in Vietnam. Awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross (for heroism in military flight – the U.S. Army’s highest honor for aviators), Bronze Star, Air Medal for Heroism, eight additional air medals, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Army Commendation Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal. While serving in the military, Ted also completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in History and Education.

He is survived by his wife, Ruthie; his children, Mark and his wife, Erica; Melody and her husband, Eric Fried; and grandchildren: Halil Averbeck and her husband, Brandon, Holden Fried, Will Jenkins, and Roy Jenkins.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap St, Paris, TN.  Memorial visitation will be Saturday, August 11, 2018, from 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm at First Baptist Church Paris, with the memorial service to begin at 5:00 pm at First Baptist Church, with Dr. Trent Bullock officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Midsouth Chapter of The Alzheimer's Association at https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate.