Jessie Lee ( J.L.) Wadkins

Jessie Lee ( J.L.) Wadkins, passed away peacefully at Central Utah Veterans Care Center in Payson, Utah on June 6, 2018, just 4 days after his 79th birthday.  J.L. was born in Sand Mountain, Alabama on June 2, 1939 to Pearly and Nellie Sue Wadkins.

He spent his early years in Alabama and enlisted in the United States Navy where he served from 1955 to 1975.  While stationed in San Diego, California, he met his eternal companion Glenna Rae Bean.  He loved serving his country and sharing his experiences along with life lessons learned from serving.

Following his career in the Navy, he reconnected with his sweetheart and after a short courtship married and moved Glenna to Alabama. They lived a short time in Gadsden, Alabama and moved back to Utah the following year. He was baptized a member of the L.D.S. Church on April 24, 1999 and was sealed to his "Angel" in the Manti Temple on April 24, 2000.

After his military retirement, J.L. worked at various jobs including Nephi Rubber Products and enjoyed farming and carpentry. He loved fishing, barbeques, and family. He will be remembered by his honesty, kindness, "Southern drawl" and entertaining sense of humor.

He is survived by his loving wife, Glenna and their children: Vickie Sexton, David Wadkins, Andy (Allison) Wadkins, Christie (Russell) Mangelson, Kimberly Lyle, Marvine (Troy) Noble and Marvin Jr (Danielle) Brooks.  Also surviving are several grandchildren, great grandchildren, siblings, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. J.L. was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral service will be Monday June 11, 2018 at the Nephi 1,2,8 Ward  Building, 222 S. 100 E. Nephi, UT at 11:00 a.m.  Family and friends may call 9:45 -10:45 a.m. on the day of services. Interment will be at the Nephi Vine Bluff Cemetery.

The family wishes to express their deepest thanks and gratitude to all who have impacted J.L.'s life and who loved and cared for him throughout his illness. He loved and appreciated each and every one of you.