Thomas "Tom" Jefferson Jenkins

Thomas "Tom" Jefferson Jenkins, 77, with his family by his side, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 24th, 2020, following a late diagnosis of cancer. Tom was born in Nashville, Tennessee on July 16th, 1943. Tom was the first child of 8 born to Ruby Jenkins and Thomas Jenkins Sr. Tom began his adult journey when he served 4 years in the US Army. He settled in Davie, Florida where he raised his three sons and started a career as a sandblaster. Tom met the love of his life Christine Jenkins in 1991. Soon after the two moved to Ocala to plan retirement and enjoy life! Tom being the wonderful man that he was and the patriarch of his family, found that all three sons and step-daughter along with their families would soon move to Ocala. Tom was most proud of his title "Papa" He was everyone's Papa. His grandchildren and great grandchildren meant the absolute world to him. Holidays, family dinners, and grandkids sporting events brought him the most joy! With his family close by, his dog at his side, bingo on Thursdays, and church on Sundays, he would tell you that he lived a very blessed life! Tom was preceded in death by his parents Thomas (Jack) and Ruby Jenkins, brothers Jerry Jenkins, Ed Jenkins, Terry Jenkins, Mike Jenkins, Bubba Jenkins, Son Mike Heck, Grandsons Robert Payne Jr., and Tylor Bijolle. Tom is survived by his wife Christine Jenkins, his sons Robert Payne Sr (Kelly Sherlock), Thomas J Jenkins Jr., Step daughter Tammy Bowen, Step sons Monty Flowers, Paul Flowers(Kelly Flowers),Sister Judy Rosenbalm (Charles Jr Rosenbalm), many nieces and nephews, Grandchildren: Tammy Coats, Deana Nelson(Richard Nelson), Erin Sherlock, Brandi Ortiz( David Ortiz),Elizabeth Payne, Christine Beauprez, Crystal Jenkins, TJ Jenkins, Sean Heck, Blake Bowen,Seth Bowen, Mallory Cook, Payton Dunn, Josey Flowers, Tessa Flowers. Great Grandchildren:Scotty Coats, Jacob Coats, Natalie Nelson, Ricky Nelson, Shyanne Payne Brown, ZavierPayne, Josiah Payne, and Elliana Ortiz. Tom was a member of the American Legion and Meadowbrook Church. Memorial Service and celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Feb 13th @ 1pm at the America Legion in Dunnellon, FL, 10730 S US Highway 41 Dunnellon, FL 34432. Arrangements by Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services Ocala, FL 34470 (352)-629-7171. Online Condolences may be expressed at www.hiers-baxley.com.