William "Bill" Jenkins

Bill passed on July 4, 2022 at 67 years young.  He had his children by his bedside, on his very own Independence day.  Born in Baton Rouge, raised in Red Oaks, he resided in the home he grew up in.  He was a Red Oaks Raider, Tara Trojan and unofficial LSU Tiger.  He wore many hats in his 67 years.  He swears he beat the arm wrestling world champion in an arm wrestling match in a bar downtown in the 70’s.  Of course.. there were no witnesses.  He ate bait squid on a dare while fishing in the gulf.  He’d never back down from a dare even if food poisoning was inevitable.  He rode dirt bikes, raced muscle cars, fought authority… but authority always wins, right?   He was a pool table hustler, card shark, bar room arm wrestler – life of the party.  He was our dad.  A son, brother, pawpaw, best friend, uncle, and most of all – he was a fighter.  Diagnosed in 2001 with cancer, this has been a very long journey and an often painful one.

Preceded in death by his Father, Doug Jenkins and brother Charles Bradley, former Father in law Joe Boudreau, and former brother in law Joey Boudreau.  He is survived by his mother, Ida Mae Jenkins whom he adored.  His children Jessica Gulino and Bradley Jenkins, his two grandsons Griffin and Collin who will miss his Saturday morning donut drop offs.  His former son in law Nathan Gulino whom he thought of as a son.  Former spouse, Liz Boudreau Jenkins. His sisters Mary Reese and her husband, Gary Reese. Grace Smith and her husband Steve Smith, who was also considered a great friend.  Former mother in law, Carol Boudreau, who thought of him as her own – most times.  He has many special people in his life including his special friend, Joanna Anselmo, whom he spent his last good day with at the beach.  Nieces, nephews, in-laws and out-laws include but not limited to Lisa, Ronny, Lynn, Todd, Dicky, Connie, Teri, and Glenn.  Caroline, Colton, Jason, Zack, Blaine, Tyler, Jordan, Julia, London, Blake, Eric, Ryan, Audrey and Jaxon.

Thank you to all the nurses and doctors he fussed at, cussed at, hit on through the years, but especially the ones at the end at Gulfport Memorial who allowed him to go in peace.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to our local Cancer Services of Baton Rouge.  We also ask that from now on, on the Fourth of July, light an extra one for him.  He loved pyrotechnics.

Visitation will be at Resthaven (Jefferson Hwy) at 12:30 – 1:30, informal service to follow immediately after.