Pastor Paul Jenkins

Pastor Paul Jenkins,71, of Rives died Tuesday, September 16, 2025.

Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. 0n Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Miles Chapel Church in Martin.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church.

Paul Jenkins, Sr. was born on January 11, 1954, in Union City, Tennessee, to the late Ual “Coley” Jenkins and Bernice “Friday” Fingers-Jenkins. He was preceded in death by two siblings, Evangelist Euarlene Jenkins-Smith and Raymond (Rinda) Allen Jenkins. He is survived by four siblings: Perry (Geraldine) Jenkins of Union City, TN; Nora (Charles) Nichols of West Memphis, AR; Sherry Jenkins Davis of Rives, TN; and Deborah Jenkins-Lockwood of Rives, TN; and Meoshia Smith-Bogins of Detroit, MI.

Pastor Jenkins is survived by his devoted wife, Gloria Barber Jenkins; two sons, Paul Jenkins Jr. and Terrence Kelly Jenkins, both of Union City, TN; and three daughters, Cemone Jenkins of Union City, TN, Ebony Jenkins of Murfreesboro, TN, and Asha Jenkins of Dallas, TX. He was a proud grandfather, affectionately known as “Paw Paw,” to Jasia Jenkins of Union City, TN, Maya Jenkins of Orlando, FL, and Malik Pogue of Martin, TN, as well as his great niece and nephew, Tobias and Imani Augustus of Union City, TN. He also leaves behind a host of other nieces, nephews, sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, cherished friends, and sister-cousins: C. Hope Smith, Janet Dostry, Loretta Tate,Lexie Barr, Veverly Pinkney, Ingrid Wilcox and Betty Brack.

Paul’s work ethic began early. At the age of 13, he worked picking cotton before going on to hold positions at Obion County General Hospital, Reelfoot Packing, and Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. He faithfully served at Goodyear for over 30 years before retiring.

His education began at Rosenwald Elementary School in Obion, TN, and, in 1963, he was part of the integration of the Woodland Mills School System. He graduated from Obion County Central High School in 1971 and went on to attend Dyersburg State Community College.

Paul had a lifelong love of sports. A devoted fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Volunteers, he was also a talented athlete himself, once given the opportunity to try out for the St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Team. He played on and coached numerous local baseball teams and also coached Pee Wee basketball and little league in Rives. Beyond baseball, he enjoyed basketball, volleyball, badminton, mowing lawns, listening to music, hosting family reunions, and organizing family lip-sync contests that created joyful memories for all.

Pastor Jenkins was called to lead Miles Chapel Church in Martin, TN, where he faithfully served as pastor for 14 years. He was also a member of the church choir and deeply loved his congregation, who loved him in return. His leadership, kindness, and devotion to the Lord and his community will be forever remembered.

McPhearson - Rawls Funeral Home - Union City 731-885-8110