Billy Garrett Jenkins

Billy Garrett Jenkins, age 99, entered Heaven on Christmas morning, December 25, 2025. He was born on September 3, 1926, and lived a long, richly layered life rooted in faith, family, adventure, music, and gratitude. Billy was Christ-centered and deeply devoted to his family. Everything else; work, travel, music, and adventure flowed from that foundation. He believed in showing up, staying connected, and building memories that would last for generations. Billy enlisted and served as a Naval Airplane tail gunner, a role that fits his adventurous nature perfectly. After serving, Billy spent most of his working career as a crane operator at U.S. Steel, a role that reflected his steadiness, discipline, and strong work ethic. He retired in the late 1980s and often spoke of how blessed he was to enjoy more than 40 years of retirement, a gift he never took lightly. His remarkable longevity and excellent health were true blessings, allowing him to remain active, engaged, and present well in his later years. An adventurer at heart, Billy traveled to nearly every state in the country. In the mid-1960s, he helped found The Steel Billy’s Camping Club with several Birmingham-area families, blending friendship, travel, and the joy of the open road. His entrepreneurial spirit also led him to start a travel trailer business with his lifelong best friend, Alvin “Chock” Harrell. While successful, Billy later joked that it proved to be a little more trouble than it was worth said with a smile and the wisdom of experience. Of all his passions, music was his greatest love. Billy was an accomplished guitar and harmonica player, and music followed him wherever he went. Nearly everyone who knew him has a story that begins with, “Remember when we were here or there…” and ends with Billy playing music with someone new. From the hills of Arkansas to the bayous of Louisiana, he formed lifelong friendships through shared songs, impromptu jam sessions, and a deep appreciation for music’s power to connect people. Billy was preceded in death by his first wife, Doris Jean “Dot” Hogan Jenkins, the mother of his three children. He is survived by their families: • Garrett Blaine Jenkins (Judy), and their children Jill (Bart), Taylor (Shana), and Kevin (Taylor) • Jeffrey Bruce Jenkins (Rhonda), and their son Cory (Amy) • Gregory Hogan Jenkins (Rhonda), and their daughters Courtney and Katie (Hayden) He was also preceded in death by his second wife, Carol Lowry Jenkins. He is survived by her family: • Keith Lowry (Marcia) • Russell Lowry (Linda), and daughter Leah • Susan Maddox (Randall), and daughters Brandye Griffin (Ryan) and Lauren Lukela (Brian) • Kyle Lowry (Natalie) Together, these families, along with scores of great-grandchildren—formed the heart of Billy’s life and legacy. Billy was a longtime member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church and, in later years, Maytown Baptist Church. As a Christian husband and father, he led by example, living by the principle: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” He leaves behind a family strengthened by that example, stories enriched by his adventures, and memories forever set to music. A service to celebrate Billy’s life will be held Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Bessemer Brown Service Funeral Home with burial following at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Bro. Jimmy King will be officiating the service. In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor his memory to donate to Maytown Baptist Church, 4679 Birmingport Road, Mulga, AL 35118 or Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, 1343 Hueytown Road, Hueytown, Al 35023. Billy would also encourage everyone to spend more time with family, take a road trip, listen to some good music, or pick up an instrument and play one, just as he so often did. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Billy Garrett Jenkins

September 3, 1926 - December 25, 2025