William Lee Jenkins, affectionately known as “Sunset Bill,” passed away peacefully at his home in Mexico Beach, Florida, on June 4, 2025, at the age of 82.
A man of many talents, Bill, who served as a teacher, coach, realtor, city councilman, and businessman, will be missed dearly.
Bill Jenkins is survived by his wife, Kathy Mahon Jenkins, his daughters Kimberly, Kwyn, and Kegan, and his grandchildren Dylan, Riley, Jagger, and Ramsey.
Kathy and Bill were married in their living room on August 12, 1977, with their friend Jim Pate officiating the ceremony. From that day on, they shared nearly half a century of a loving marriage until Bill’s passing.
Likewise, he also leaves behind his brothers, Bob and David, and his sister, Diane.
Bill Jenkins was preceded in death by his parents, Harold “Bull” Jenkins and Mildred Jenkins.
Born on January 9, 1943, in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, Bill’s early years were shaped by a passion for sports.
At Elizabethtown High School, he excelled in football and basketball. Eventually, he continued his passion for sports through his athletic career at the University of Kentucky.
Thanks to his teamwork spirit and discipline, he learned through sports, which stayed with him during his time in the U.S. Army, where he served from 1967 to 972. He didn’t speak much about it, but Bill was nothing but proud of that part of his life.
Bill will be remembered for his kind heart and the way he brought people together. In Elizabethtown, he gave his time to local parks, the Special Olympics, and helped at Sportsman Lake.
Later, in Mexico Beach, he helped care for the beach and protect sea turtles by participating in cleanup efforts and joining the Turtle Patrol.
His holiday traditions included delivering turkeys to families in need through Helping Hands and carrying on his father’s tradition of playing Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.
After retiring to Florida, he found fulfillment as a carpentry instructor at Wewahitchka High School for a decade, guiding students in developing their skills.
One of many instances when his resilience shone through was after Hurricane Michael struck Mexico Beach in 2018. Bill prioritized helping neighbors rebuild before taking care of his own.
People called him “Sunset Bill” because every evening at sunset, he would stand on the corner of 3rd Street, quietly say a prayer of thanks, and raise a toast to the day ahead. It was his peaceful, spiritual ritual that became a meaningful part of who he was.
A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Driftwood Inn, 2105 Hwy. 98, Mexico Beach.
The professional team at Comforter Funeral Home in Port St. Joe, Florida, is handling the arrangements with care and respect.
During this ordeal, we offer our sincere heartfelt condolences to Bill Jenkins’ wife, daughters, grandkids, friends, and extended family.
Rest Easy, Bill Jenkins!
