SFC Nathan Jenkins (U.S. Army, Retired), 86, of Palatka, entered the sunset of life on Thursday, December 12, 2013 at his residence following an extended illness. A beloved son of Sam & Sadie White Jenkins, Nathan was born on Tuesday, April 5, 1927 in Olustee, FL. He was educated in the Bradford County (Lawtey, FL) School District. During Nathan's childhood years, he attended Philadelphia Baptist Church, Lawtey, FL. Nathan was inducted into the United States Army on October 5, 1945, subsequently enlisted on January 11, 1946 and served faithfully until his retirement on February 21, 1968 following more than 22 years of Honorable service. SFC Jenkins served in the U.S., Germany and Korea as a Mess Steward and at the time of his retirement, he was serving as Instructor, Food Service School, Fort Knox, KY. SFC Jenkins was the recipient of numerous awards including the Purple Heart, Good Conduct, American Campaign, World War II Victory, National Defense Service, and Vietnam Service Medals, respectively. After retirement, he became a Building Inspector for Manpower Services in Rochester, NY, and his hobbies included cooking and fishing. In 2004, he relocated to Palatka due to declining health. Though he lived a very private life, he was known to be very friendly. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in eternal rest by his sister, Ruth E. Jenkins; brothers, James, Sam, Willie, Carl, and E.L. Jenkins; and nephew, Willie Lee Jones, II. Those who cherish his memories: brother, Ivory (Ella) Wright, Hampton, GA; caring and devoted niece, Sadie Allen, Palatka; nephews, Jack Harrell, Palatka; and Robert "Bobby" (Catherine) Jenkins, San Mateo; and a host of great nieces and great nephews, other relatives and caring friends, including special friends, Carrie Miller, Moses Ginwright, both of Palatka; Laura (Paul) Bragg, Interlachen. Visitation of family and friends will be Tuesday, December 17, from 5-8 p.m., with Homegoing Celebration at 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 18 at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity," 2400 Madison Street, Palatka. Reverend Tommy Rodgers, Pastor of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, is the eulogist. Interment with Military Honors will be at Palatka Memorial Gardens.