Raymond Griffith Jenkins III

Raymond Griffith Jenkins III, "Ray or Ray J" to his friends and family, of Hillsboro, Texas, passed away peacefully with his loving wife Barb Jenkins at his side on December 4, 2025, after a brief illness at the age of 79. Ray was the son of Catherine and Raymond G. Jenkins, Jr., of Birmingham, Alabama, and Galena Park, Texas.

The family will have a celebration of life at a later date. In remembrance of Ray, contributions may be made to an animal rescue and adoption center of your choice.

Ray graduated from Galena Park High School and served in the United States Army from 1967 to 1968, where he spent many days on the road driving a "deuce and a half" cargo truck all across Germany, often sampling the cuisine and liquid libations. After serving his country, he spent his career working at DuPont de Nemours in LaPorte, Texas, while also serving as an officer and union representative supporting workers at the plant for many years. He believed in the brotherhood of the union and supporting union members' rights. He is remembered for his uncompromising representation of workers both in disputes with management when members' contracts were violated and to proactively improve working conditions at the plant. Ray did not shy away from controversy or difficult negotiations. His tenacious support for a fair, safe, and inclusive workplace earned him the respect of management and union members alike. In retirement he moved to the Texas countryside that he loved so much where he met the love of his life, Barb. He engaged in energetic political conversation, studied American history, watched horse racing, rode motorcycles, barbecued, and drove his classic Ford truck (although it was not a classic when he bought it). He enjoyed classic rock 'n roll, especially The Beatles and the British Invasion, from the 1960s & 70s. Ray loved his extended family and looked forward to cooking for family meals and holidays. He was the first to call to ask what he could bring, and his cooking was a highlight of the meal. Sporting John Lennon glasses and often a stylish ponytail peeking out below his Astros chapeau, he would always make time to sit on the porch overlooking the countryside to discuss current events, life experiences, and lessons learned, displaying an insightful depth and range of knowledge.

Ray is survived by his wife, Barb Jenkins; daughter, Heather Lowry; grandsons, Shane and Tanner; stepdaughters, Kristel Smith and Kacie Bonge and their families; brother, Bill Jenkins and wife Cathy; nieces, Cat Clark and Leslie Clark; nephew, Charlie Clark; nieces, Kristen Arnett and Candice Jonischkies; many great-nieces and nephews and their families; and his beloved cats, Mongo and Boo. He was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Joseph Bertrand Clark.