Celebrating the life of
Hugh Ingles Jenkins
April 10, 1920 - July 01, 2012
Hugh Ingles Jenkins
Hugh Ingles Jenkins, 92, of Savannah, Georgia, passed away Sunday, July 1st peacefully at home with his family by his side.
Born April 10, 1920 to Hugh Ingles, Sr. and Annie Meyer Jenkins, Hugh grew up in Bonna Bella, attended Savannah High, and graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Civil Engineering. Hugh served his country as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Corp of Engineers. First serving at Fort Bragg, North Carolina Hugh was later transferred to Camp Claiborne, Louisiana, where he was promoted to First Lieutenant Company, B Commander of the 390th Engineer Regiment. Hugh spent a year in Derby, England prior to landing on Normandy Beach on June 24th where his company repaired and built railroads and bridges to support General George Patton's 3rd Army and their drive across France against the German Nazi's. Hugh loved to share his experiences from his time in France and made it known that it was the best time of his life.
After the war Hugh returned to Savannah to start his own industrial construction company. He built many structures throughout Savannah and was most proud of the ten churches his company contributed to local congregations…many of which promised Hugh payment which he accepted on good faith. Hugh married Bettie Cubbedge Jenkins and they built a home together on Turner's Creek where they spent most of their 64 years together. Hugh learned to fly at Saffold field on Whitemarsh Island and was so proud when his wife decided to follow in his footsteps. Afterwards, they spent many days flying to the local beaches to fish. He had a love of speedboats; his favorite a Cigarette boat built for the Shaw of Iran that Hugh bought from the factory before it could be delivered overseas. Hugh was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Savannah Yacht Club.
Hugh and Hubert Williams started Williams Seafood, Inc. where they made Williams Seafood's famous deviled crabs and sauces to be distributed throughout the country. Hugh and Bettie spent their later years traveling the world and touched all seven continents. Hugh was best known for his amazing inventions around the home and on the water and always welcomed anyone into his home to share his wonderful stories. He was the personification of the greatest generation and was never scared about dying because he considered his life to be heaven on earth.
Hugh was preceded in death by his wife Bettie Cubbedge Jenkins and is survived by two daughters, Barbara Hines Russell Preston and Nancy Emmerson James, M.B.E., two granddaughters, Megan Graham Schoeffler Bryan and Katy Graham Schubert Michael, and 5 great-grandchildren.
Hugh will be buried next to his wife in Bonaventure Cemetery on Thursday, July 5th at 10 am. Friends and family are invited. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made to Wilmington Island Presbyterian Church 450 North Cromwell Rd 31410 or Hospice Savannah.
Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel
Dear Barbara and Nanay, I am sitting at my computer at home in Dublin Ireland and have just been reading your dad's Memorial and lifes experience. He sure seems to be one remarcable mam, you are so luck to have had him in your lives for so long truly blessed. May the good lord of whom your dad was a living reflection welcome Hugh into his presence and share with his belove wife Bettie the rewards of their lifes work. May you both find confort in great memories you have in your hearts. God bless you both. Eamonn Maguire, Dublin Ireland.
- Eamonn Maguire, Dublin Ireland, GA
Dear Barbara and Nancy, I just learned today of your Dads death. You have my deepest sympathy. I always enjoyed his freindship and remember fondly the time spent with him, Betty, and the two of you. My business dealings with him were always pleasant and above reproach. He was a blessing in my life.
- Lee Meadows, Jacksonville, FL
Dear Barbara and Nancy, I just learned today of your Dads death. You have my deepest sympathy. I always enjoyed his freindship and remember fondly the time spent with him, Betty, and the two of you. My business dealings with him were always pleasant and above reproach. He was a blessing in my life.
- Lee Meadows, Jacksonville, FL
I wish I could have known Hugh a lot earlier in my life. I would have loved going to France or Antartica . I loved the old man dearly, and nevered tired of the same stories he shared with me over bologna and cheese sandwiches. He was the best supervisor I ever metexcept for his smart daughter .Even though his heaven was on this earth, I hope he and his lovely wife are sitting on Blackbeard Island catching fish and flying back home together. I will miss him a lot Love DOC
- DOC, Savannah, GA
Barbara and Nancy: We will always cherish our wonderful memories of time spent together with your family. The two of you and our children spent many happy hours together playing,going to the beaches by boat,fishing, swimming. Our hearts are sad today but we know your dad and mom are happy together again!! May God's love and blessings be with you always.
- Ann and Bob Wilensky, Savannah, GA
Nancy, so sorry. Had no idea your dad was so... amazing! Wish we could make our kids understand that. Joe Rochefort
- Joe Rochefort, Savannah, GA
May the family find comfort in fond memories and in knowing that God is 'near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.' Psalm 34:18 Our loving Creator, Jehovah God, has promised to soon 'swallow up death forever...and wipe the tears from all faces.' Isaiah 25:8 With deepest sympathy.
- A. Kelly, , MD
Please accept my sincere sympathy. Our fathers were friends since childhood. My father, Tommy, always had such fondness and admiration for his friend, Buster. Supposedly they made and had the first pair of water skis in Savannah. They have left us with wonderful memories. I hope your memories will serve well during this time. Evelyn
- Evelyn Steadwell Temple, Hartwell, GA
PaPa was a true gift. The world was truly blessed by his life!
- Wendy Schubert Hoersting, Savannah, GA
Dear Barbara and Nanay, I am sitting at my computer at home in Dublin Ireland and have just been reading your dad's Memorial and lifes experience. He sure seems to be one remarcable mam, you are so luck to have had him in your lives for so long truly blessed. May the good lord of whom your dad was a living reflection welcome Hugh into his presence and share with his belove wife Bettie the rewards of their lifes work. May you both find confort in great memories you have in your hearts. God bless you both. Eamonn Maguire, Dublin Ireland.
- Eamonn Maguire, Dublin Ireland, GA
Dear Barbara and Nancy, I just learned today of your Dads death. You have my deepest sympathy. I always enjoyed his freindship and remember fondly the time spent with him, Betty, and the two of you. My business dealings with him were always pleasant and above reproach. He was a blessing in my life.
- Lee Meadows, Jacksonville, FL
Dear Barbara and Nancy, I just learned today of your Dads death. You have my deepest sympathy. I always enjoyed his freindship and remember fondly the time spent with him, Betty, and the two of you. My business dealings with him were always pleasant and above reproach. He was a blessing in my life.
- Lee Meadows, Jacksonville, FL
I wish I could have known Hugh a lot earlier in my life. I would have loved going to France or Antartica . I loved the old man dearly, and nevered tired of the same stories he shared with me over bologna and cheese sandwiches. He was the best supervisor I ever metexcept for his smart daughter .Even though his heaven was on this earth, I hope he and his lovely wife are sitting on Blackbeard Island catching fish and flying back home together. I will miss him a lot Love DOC
- DOC, Savannah, GA
Barbara and Nancy: We will always cherish our wonderful memories of time spent together with your family. The two of you and our children spent many happy hours together playing,going to the beaches by boat,fishing, swimming. Our hearts are sad today but we know your dad and mom are happy together again!! May God's love and blessings be with you always.
- Ann and Bob Wilensky, Savannah, GA
Nancy, so sorry. Had no idea your dad was so... amazing! Wish we could make our kids understand that. Joe Rochefort
- Joe Rochefort, Savannah, GA
May the family find comfort in fond memories and in knowing that God is 'near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.' Psalm 34:18 Our loving Creator, Jehovah God, has promised to soon 'swallow up death forever...and wipe the tears from all faces.' Isaiah 25:8 With deepest sympathy.
- A. Kelly, , MD
Please accept my sincere sympathy. Our fathers were friends since childhood. My father, Tommy, always had such fondness and admiration for his friend, Buster. Supposedly they made and had the first pair of water skis in Savannah. They have left us with wonderful memories. I hope your memories will serve well during this time. Evelyn
- Evelyn Steadwell Temple, Hartwell, GA
PaPa was a true gift. The world was truly blessed by his life!
- Wendy Schubert Hoersting, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
