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Bill Morris Jenkins, 75

Bill Morris Jenkins, age 75, of Lafayette, Tenn., passed away July 8, 2009, at the Saint Thomas Hospital. Funeral services were conducted Sat., July 11, 2009 from Lafayette Missionary Baptist Church with Elder David Swindle officiating. Sam Hale, Isaac Swindle, Patrick Swindle, Andrew Salyer, Jim Salyer, and Hughie Hackett served as pallbearers. Interment followed in the Anderson Memorial Park.

Bill Morris Jenkins was born on May 5, 1034 in Macon County, Tenn., to the late George Elbert and Alma Madeline Smith Jenkins. He was married to the former Rosa Lee Vinson on Oct. 2, 1054, sharing twenty-nine years together and raising two daughters, Rosa Lee preceded him in death on Apr. 15, 1984. He later was married to the former Cammie Biddle for a time and lived in Greenwood, IN, for ten years. Besides his wife and parents; twin brother, Jack Horace Jenkins, great aunt and uncle; Houston and Lillie Smith, who raised him, also preceded him in death. Bill was known for his football skills, he was described as the “ultimate team player” he led the 1951 MCHS Football Tigers to a 9-1 record and one of the most storied seasons in school history. Bill was named to the Nashville Banner’s “Schoolboy Stars of the Week” numerous times during the 1950 and 1951 seasons. Along with All-CVC honors, Bill was also selected as 3rd team All-Midstate. He received a scholarship to Western Kentucky University and played for two seasons as a 155 pound tailback at WKU. Bill was inducted in the Macon County Sports Hall of Fame on June 5, 2004. Bill was employed by Tri-County Electric, working in various positions for thirty-five years, he retired in 1989.  He enjoyed listening to music and playing guitar with his friends.  He was a wonderful father and a very loving person with a big heart. Bill and a co-worker, Stanley Davis received a “Life Saving Award” after saving a preacher’s life with C.P.R. techniques, during a church service. Bill was a familiar face at the Nursing Homes, where he would brighten the day for many when he came to visit. Residents enjoyed the time he spent with them. He was a song leader, Sunday school teacher, and a member of the Lafayette Missionary Baptist Church. He is lovingly survived by his daughters, Morrisa (David) Swindle, and Karen (Jim) Salyer all of Lafayette; grandchildren, Patrick (Amy) Swindle of Old Hickory, Tenn., Kimberly (Sam) Hale, Isaac Swindle, Kaitlin Salyer, and Andrew Salyer all of Lafayette; great-grandchildren, Alexandria Swindle, Cassandra Swindle, Kasey Coble all of Old Hickory, Tenn., Noah and Elijah Hale of Lafayette; sister, Georgiana (Hughie) Hackett of Cookeville, Tenn.; niece, Michelle Nichols of Orlando, FL, and a host of friends.