Rayfield Jenkins was born in Arlington, Georgia on April 2, 1939. Throughout the early years of his life, he was nurtured and cared for by his aunt and uncle, the late Bessie and Charlie Jenkins.

He attended the public schools of Dougherty County and was active in many school activities and organizations. Upon accepting Christ as his Lord and Savior, he united with the Cutliff Grove Baptist Church.

After receiving the " call for military duty," Rayfield enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served with distinction. During his military service, he received specialized training in transmissions repair and became certified as a Master Transmissions Specialist. He received a honorable discharge upon completion of his tour of duty and returned to civilian life to further his career as a self-employed transmission repair specialist. Rayfield was never idle—he was a "fix-it" man who took great pride in his work and his mechanical abilities. He found joy and solace in his life-long passion that enabled him to provide unconditionally for his family.

On March 24, 1972, he was joined in holy matrimony to his beloved Georgia Lee Robenson. This union endured for 45 years and they were blessed with two children—Charles and Constance. Rayfield was also a father figure and nurturer for his stepchildren, Warren and Dawn; his nephews, Monterrio and Emmanuel; and his grandson, Jared. He was a completely selfless person who was always willing to help others, without asking anything in return.

Rayfield was profoundly devoted to his family and friends. He loved deeply, laughed often, and lived life to the fullest. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing and traveling.   His smile, compassion, and sense of humor touched the lives of people around him in a very special way.

On Sunday, May 14, 2017, Rayfield departed this earthly life at the Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, and transitioned to his eternal home.

Loving memories will forever be cherished by his devoted wife, Georgia Lee Robenson Jenkins; four children, Charles R. Jenkins of Atlanta, GA, Warren (Tanisha) Robenson of Lakeland, FL, Dawn Johnson (Anthony Evans) of Summerville, SC, and Constance R. Jenkins of Pensacola, FL; a sister-in-law, Rosa (Charles T) Simmons; two brothers-in-law, Charles Givens of Witchita Falls, TX and Willie (Cathy) Wright, Jr. of Albany, GA; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.