Lonnie Wayne “Poppy” Jenkins, 71, of Salem, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, February 5, from his home, surrounded by his family.
He was born on November 21, 1949, in Mountain City, Tennessee; son of the late Dallas and Elsie Jenkins.
Following his high school graduation, at the young age of 20, Lonnie proudly decided to serve his country in the United States Army Reserves, serving faithfully for a six-year term before obtaining an honorable discharge.
With over 45 years of service in the carpet and flooring industry, Lonnie was well known for his extraordinary work ethic and attention to detail. He spent 40-plus years of his career working as a carpet installer/manager at the Carpet Shops in Roanoke. For a short time during his career, he owned his own flooring business. One of his most proud moments as an owner, was the custom flooring job at the Virginia Tech Athletic Department in Blacksburg, specifically for the office of Frank Beamer, where his talent is still admired to this day. Lonnie was an extremely talented man.
As for hobbies, it was certainly no secret as to his love for Street Rods. Lonnie belonged to numerous clubs over the years, and most recently the Hanging Rock Rods Club.
He also enjoyed his work in car upholstery, but those who knew him best, will remember him for his love of family. As the family centerpiece, Lonnie was always making sure they were well taken care of. Known as “Mr. Fix-It,” he was always there to help with any problem they may have. Though only having one son, Lonnie was known as “dad” to all of the neighborhood boys and other friends of his son, Travis.
He was simply a caring, giving and loving man to all that knew him.
In addition to his parents, Lonnie was preceded in death by his nephew, Shelburne Hayes; niece, Angela Jenkins; and his grand-dog, “Layla.”
Family remaining to cherish his memory includes his wife of 50 years, Linda Jenkins; son, Travis Jenkins; special daughter, Deirdre Manspile (Don); special grandson, Nicholas Manspile, all of Salem; brothers, Paul Jenkins (Brenda), also of Salem; Gene Jenkins (Linda), of Roanoke; and Robert Jenkins (Doris), of Vinton; sister-in-law, Dreama Hayes, of Salem; uncle, James Harper (Janet), of Mountain City, Tenn.; special family, Billy and Melissa Duncan, of Nashville, Tenn.; his beloved dog, “Milo”; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside service, honoring Lonnie’s life, was conducted on Tuesday, February 9, at 11 a.m., with Pastors Barry Fitzgerald and Mike Varner officiating. Military rights to honor his service were also conducted by the Virginia Army National Guard.
Expressions of sympathy may be expressed to the Jenkins family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.
