Edward "Sonny" Jenkins, Jr., age 80, died on Saturday, September 7, 2024, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was born in Greenwood, Arkansas, on September 28, 1943, to the late Edward and Bessie Mae (Cross) Jenkins. Sonny enriched so many peoples' lives over the years. His contagious grin and true concern for others were his trademark. He worked hard to provide for his family and never hesitated to help others that were in need. Sonny loved his wife, daughters, and grandchildren fiercely and never failed to tell each of them how proud he was of them. He was an awesome husband, daddy, and "Pa." Sonny served in the US Army 40th Signal Battalion from July 8, 1966, to July 5, 1968, during the Vietnam War Era as a communication specialist. He was a life member of the VFW post 2952.  He worked as a local truck driver for the Teamsters for 31 years and retired from Roadway in 2001. Sonny spent his years of retirement piddlin' on anything with a motor and wheels, including his most prized possession, his 1941 Chevy truck that he bought when he was 15 years old. He was a member of Phillips Chapel for 40 years. When Sonny got saved on November 14, 1972, he took the scripture to heart and made it his goal to take every opportunity to tell others about his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Pastor Ben Gibson recently said that Sonny was so full of the scriptures that when he was bumped, it just squeaked out of him. That sums him up very well. We are going to miss the rock of our life, but cling to the promise that we will be reunited someday in Heaven. Sonny has told so many people he wants to see them again and will be waiting for them. People, don't disappoint him. Make that request your goal. He was preceded in death by both parents, two brothers, David and Doug Jenkins and one sister, Hilda Darneal.

Sonny is survived by his wife of 56 years, Charlotte (McLaughlin) Jenkins; one sister, Amelia Stephens of Clarks Chapel, Arkansas; two daughters, Kimberly and John-Mark Rodriguez-Williams of Fort Worth, Texas, and Amy and Scott Winfrey of Lowell, Arkansas; three grandchildren, Zayne and wife Bre Winfrey, Zoe Winfrey, Zimri Rodriguez-Williams and Lauren Brannon with a host of extended family and loving friends.

Visitation: 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, September 12, 2024, and Funeral Service: 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 13, 2024, at Phillips Chapel Free Will Baptist Church of Springdale, Arkansas, with Pastors Ben Gibson and Jason Scott officiating. Burial to follow at 11:30 a.m. at Fayetteville National Cemetery of Fayetteville, Arkansas. Floral arrangements, as well as, donations may be made to Phillips Chapel Freewill Baptist Church: Sonny Jenkins Memorial fund for Operation Christmas Child.