Harvey C Jenkins, Sr.

Dr. Harvey C. Jenkins, Sr., 90, of Fayetteville, NC, passed away Thursday, May 30, 2024 at Cone Health Wesley Long Hospital in Greensboro, NC.

Funeral services will be 1:00 pm, Sunday, June 9, 2024 at Wesley United Methodist Church in York, SC with Rev. Dr. Thomas Bowman officiating. Burial will follow at Lakeview Memory Gardens in York, SC.  The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm, prior to the service.

Dr. Harvey Clarke McKinley Jenkins Sr., a distinguished educator, artist, and veteran, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2024, at 8:00 P.M. He was born in Bamberg, South Carolina, to the late Dr. James Edgar Clark Jenkins Sr. and Mrs. Estelle Brockington Jenkins.

Dr. Jenkins was a lifelong learner and a passionate advocate for the arts. He earned his B.A. in 1958 from Claflin College in Orangeburg, South Carolina. His thirst for knowledge led him to Columbia University in Harlem, New York, where he obtained his Master's Degree in 1959. Later, he pursued a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin, completing his doctoral studies in 1983.

Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Jenkins inspired countless students to explore their creativity, first as an Art Instructor at Claflin College from 1959 to 1963. His dedication to education continued at Fayetteville State University, where he served as an Associate Professor in the Visual Arts Department until his retirement in 2004. During summers, he also contributed his expertise to Methodist College and Fayetteville Technical Community College in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Dr. Jenkins was not only an educator but also a trailblazer. He was an esteemed member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1954 to 1962. His commitment to excellence earned him a place in the prestigious Who’s Who in the South and Southwest. In 1961, Ebony magazine recognized him as one of the “Most Eligible Bachelors.”

An avid sportsman, Dr. Jenkins excelled in basketball and football in his younger years and enjoyed golf, bowling and tennis throughout adulthood, competing in tennis tournaments until the age of 82. He was a dedicated member of the Wizards Tennis Association in Fayetteville, NC and their annual tournament was renamed The Harvey C. Jenkins, Sr. Annual Tennis Classic in his honor. Always an instructor, Dr. Jenkins introduced several generations of young people to the sport of tennis. He was also a certified USTA tennis official, and he enjoyed officiating matches whenever he could.

Dr. Jenkins leaves behind a legacy of love and inspiration. His beloved wife, Mrs. Fannie Williams Jenkins, preceded him in death in 1995. Their marriage, which began in York, South Carolina, on August 12, 1961, was a testament to enduring love.

He is survived by his devoted children: Dr. Harvette C. Jenkins-Bah, M.D. (Souleymane), Dr. Harvey C. Jenkins Jr., M.D., Ph.D., and Mr. Harvil C. Jenkins (Khristi).  Additionally, he leaves behind two cherished grandchildren: Harvil C. Jenkins, Jr. (H.C.), and Kamryn Jenkins.

Dr. Harvey Clarke McKinley Jenkins Sr. touched the lives of many through his art, teaching, and service. His memory will forever inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Harvey C Jenkins, Sr., please visit our floral store.