Dr. William "Billy" Raymond Jenkins Jr.

Dr. William “Billy” Raymond Jenkins Jr., 81, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Dr. Jenkins was born on January 7, 1945, in Scottdale, Georgia, where he spent his early years growing up in the Scottdale Mill Village and playing baseball with his father. In 1954, his father’s work brought the family to Cleveland, Georgia, to help open the Ames Textile Mill. Billy quickly became part of the community that would remain his home for the rest of his life.

A lifelong educator, Dr. Jenkins retired after a distinguished career as a principal and calculus teacher. Teaching was more than his profession—it was his calling. He spoke often of his years in education and how much he loved being in the classroom. To generations of students, he was simply “Dr. Jenkins”—the teacher and principal who challenged them, encouraged them, and believed in them. His influence was lasting, a fact reflected in the countless former students who would stop him around town just to say hello.

Dr. Jenkins had a lifelong love of golf, and when he wasn’t on the course, you could often find him at his lathe turning a bowl, behind a canvas with a paintbrush in hand, holding a camera, or simply driving with the windows down, listening to music.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy Jenkins; his children, Allyson (Aaron) Clark, Saige (Jody Holland) Jenkins, and Chris (Sarah) Jenkins; his grandchildren, Emmie, Lily, Micah, Ivy, and Curren; his dear friends Charles (Sandra) Aiken who were with him until the end.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William “Bill” and Grace Jenkins; his sister, Mary Ann (Winston) Lusk; and his granddaughter, Sydney.

One of his favorite verses was Numbers 6:24: “The Lord bless you and keep you.”

Dr. Jenkins’ legacy is one of kindness, wisdom, service, and a genuine love for people. He leaves behind a family who adored him, a community that is better because he was part of it, and generations of students who will forever be grateful to have called him their teacher.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 P.M.- 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Barrett Funeral Home.

Dr. Jenkins had a love for Mossy Creek Campground so, in lieu of flowers please make donations to:

Mossy Creek Campground

PO Box 557

Cleveland, GA 30528

To share a memory or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.barrettfh.com

Barrett Funeral Home of Cleveland | (706) 865-3101