(WBAP/KLIF) — After serving as the top government official in Dallas County since 2011, Judge Clay Jenkins is changing his name…sort of.
Many have asked the question what’s in a name? For Dallas County Judge Clay Lewis Jenkins it’s love and respect. Jenkins has lived in the forefront of politics since 2011 as judge in the nation’s 9th largest county. He has gone by Clay Jenkins for years, however recently felt inspired to honor his late father.
At 7 years old in 1971, Jenkins lost his father Alvah Clayburn Lewis while they were both at an Oak Cliff park getting ready to play miniature golf. That’s when Alvah had a heart attack and Clay witnessed his father die right before his eyes. The heartache lasted for years as he loved his father, who had a fine reputation among many.
Three years later, his mother remarried attorney Warwick H. Jenkins, who eventually adopted him when he was 19-years-old. Clay’s reputation of not backing down and standing-up for others is an attribute he gained from his late father, Alvah. While, his step-father, Warwick, was a strong and loving support during his formative years.
Now, the Dallas County Judge is asking for the public to acknowledge his birth father’s last name when referring to him. Clay Lewis Jenkins has always been his signature on all official documents, however he would like both last names used casually and formally moving forward. Jenkins says it takes a village to raise a child, and he just wants to honor as many of those who have helped him from his village.
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