In my work as a minister, I observed that the loss of a child is one of the most difficult things for parents and families to deal with.
This week I experienced the loss of my oldest child, Ferrell Jenkins Jr. A loss in a tragic accident or at the hand of a wicked person is more than many can bear. The loss of a mature man is also difficult to deal with. I commented to Paulette that I was glad that Ferrell Jr.’s mother was not here to have to bear this loss. It is even difficult for Paulette who has treated my two grown sons as if they were her own children.
Every reader probably knows the story of Abraham and Sarah. A couple far beyond normal childbearing years were asked by God to offer the son God gave to them. (Genesis 17).
In my case, I lost a son, a grown man who had been successful in his chosen work of merchandising. At different times he handled such products as Jimmy Dean and Campbell Soup, among others. Ferrell Jr. received his formal education at Florida College and Western Kentucky University. For many years, he was very active with the food brokers in the area. He owned his house in a nice neighborhood in New Tampa.
William Ferrell Jenkins Jr.
April 11, 1959 – September 20, 2026
What a loss!
I’m so sorry for your loss! My deepest condolences to you and your family! May God’s faithful comfort surround you and the promise of the resurrection give you hope in the days ahead.
Grateful that you’ve had the privilege of being a parent. Hoping that the good memories will flood your heart and carry you through until you meet again.
Praying for you and your family.
Im deeply sorry for your lose. Many prayers & heart healing to you in this time.
I’ve done Ferrells hair for 35 years and I’m heartbroken to hear this. May I ask what happened? I will dearly miss his monthly visits and chats.
We always talked about our Families and your travels and time together.
I was reaching out to him because he didn’t show up for an appointment and I had called.
Please let us know if there is a celebration of life for him, I’d like to be there.
Sincerely Dyana Monzo
My deepest heartfelt condolences. So incredibly sorry.
I am so very sorry for your shocking loss. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Thank you for sharing this difficult news with us.
Olen and I are so sad to hear of your great loss. I believe the picture of you and Ferrell Jr. may have been taken on one of your trips we were on…Turkey, I believe. We enjoyed getting to know him on that trip. We have you and Paulette and Stan in our thoughts and prayers as you deal with details you never expected to be asked to deal with. God is good and loving and understanding in all situations, but I think God is most understanding when a father is dealing with losing a son. Sending our love and thoughts at this time. Jane and Olen
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Dearest Ferrell, Stan, Paulette, and so many others whom Ferrell Jr. had been close to in his (shortened) life,
My deepest sympathies and warmest regards to you! I knew him only in passing, and one thing came across that always made me admire him: He had the utmost absolute regard for his father! What a fine example!
It is always tragic when a parent burries a son or daughter! What a difficult thing in this lifetime to bear!
May the Lord bless you and yours and give you the deepest comfort, wisdom, and solace in the days to come!
I love you all,
………….Ray Hinds
Brother, I cannot imagine the weight of your pain, but I know the Lord is with you. May His comfort surround you, and may the hope of Christ’s resurrection give you peace.
Kind regards, Afolabi A. Akinyemi
Dear Ferrell,
Thank you for this notice, and I am so sorry to hear this.
I could not miss this opportunity to thank you for your ministry which has meant so much to me in planning a gospel documentary. I am very grateful to you for the valuable information you provide. Your name will indeed appear on the credits and I may ask you for further help.
I know you probably will not get to Australia but if you did I would love to meet you.
My love to you in the Lord Jesus,
David
David Halliday Video Production & Post Production Services Brighton, Brisbane, Australia
I’m so sorry for your loss. We met many years ago at SBL. I enjoy following you and this was sad to see.
john byron
Ferrell,
I don’t have the words to express my sorrow for you and Paulette at this hour.
You are in our prayers, and we weep with you.
“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.”
Brotherly, David
I am so terribly sorry to hear this. I cannot imagine what this loss is like. Our prayers are with you! Brotherly, Wayne
I guess saying sorry for your loss is like most people like to respond, it is just not enough. I recently lost my son of 42 years old in a self inflicted way and it still shocks me today, 2 years later. I felt that I had done everything to support and help solve his issues, but in the end it was obviously not enough. I guess now I want a 2nd chance to do more, but alas it is not possible. Have faith and cherish the memories!
Ferrell, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It is truly the worst thing a parent can suffer. My best wishes to you and your family. Caren
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My sincerest condolences at the passing of your son.
I too do not know you personally, but I didn’t want to scroll past without sending my sincerest condolences to you and your family at this immensely difficult time. I cannot imagine the sorrow and pain you must be experiencing. Praying that you will know such an overwhelming sense of peace and the true comfort of the Holy Spirit. Blessings, Angela Jelf
It took becoming a father for me to begin to understand the pain people must experience when they lose a child. I don’t know you personally but I’m sad for you today and am sorry for your loss. I pray for God’s peace and comfort for you and your family.
I am so very sorry for the loss of your dear son. I lost my Sebastian when he was 21. I can honestly tell you the pain does not go away. I had the pleasure of meeting Ferrell Jr. He was a wonderful son. I hope for you the best in life. Your faith will heal you and keep you strong in this overwhelming pain. Peace love and blessings to you and your family, Ava Summers.
praying for you regarding the loss of your son.
So sorry for your loss