Richard B. Jenkins, Jr.

Richard was born the son of Richard B. Jenkins, Sr. and Margarette Hager of Statesville.  An early member and former Fire Chief of our department, Richard was a graduate of Cool Spring High School Class of 1962.  He owned and operated Master Cleaning Service and was a member of New Salem United Methodist Church.

Richard met a woman named Polly andon December 28, 1963 they were married.  The couple made their home here in Statesville. Richard and Polly were preparing to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary just days before he passed away unexpectedly due to cardiac complications.  He died on Friday, October 10, 2003.

Survivors, in addition to his wife and parents, include a son, Ben Jenkins and his wife, Jan; a daughter, Jennifer Jenkins Hurt and her husband, Bill, both of Statesville; a brother and sister-in-law, Maurice and Glenda Jenkins of Statesville; grandchildren, Richard "Ben" Jenkins IV, Ashley Jenkins, Cameron Jenkins, Nathan Hurt and Byron Hurt, all of Statesville; and several nieces and nephews.

Richard joined the Cool Springs Volunteer Fire Department on March 4, 1961 on his 18th birthday. Richard was promoted to Fire Chief in 1977 and held that position until he retired from the department in 1995. Richard held the Fire Chief position longer than any other Chief in department history.

Richard's influence within the department was instrumental in molding the department into what it is today. Richard brought two major renovations to fire station one and lead the department to become the first volunteer fire department in Iredell County to have an ISO rating less than 9. Richard also oversaw the construction of Station 2 on Fifth Creek Road and purchased the first enclosed cab fire engine in the volunteer fire service in Iredell County.

We feel fortunate to have been able to serve with Richard and are truly appreciative for the work and time he dedicated to the department and community.

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