of Jonesboro, AR
May 28, 1941 - March 4, 2023
Jerry D. Wiles, 81, of Jonesboro passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 4, 2023. He was born in Bono, AR to Marvin and Donna (Pearce) Wiles on May 28, 1941, the youngest of four children.
Jerry grew up in Bono and Jonesboro. He graduated from Jonesboro High School in 1959 and attended Arkansas State University where he worked at the campus radio station. In the early 1960's he moved to California where he met and married the mother of his two children. Jerry worked as a mechanic and parts salesman for large fleet vehicles and was lured away from Southern California to live and work in Guam and Hawaii, where he traded auto mechanics for selling golf course maintenance equipment which allowed him to hone his golf game. Eventually he went back to school and completed his A.A. degree in computers.
Jerry enjoyed travel and seeing new places. In 2005 he joined his daughter, Deb, on a working holiday in the Scottish Highlands. Jerry was very proud of his kids and always encouraged them to pursue their interests. The purchase of a vintage pinball machine helped pique an interest in Jeff, who still restores pinball machines and antique radios.
After retirement, Jerry returned to Jonesboro, where he was an active member of Crowley's Ridge Cruisers Car Club, regularly went to senior dances, played golf, bean bag baseball and worked on restoring his classic cars. He was a friend to everyone he met and was always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. He attended Herman Baptist Church and was active in local senior clubs with his special friend, Jeannette Phipps.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Cecil Duane Wiles and sisters, Marilyn Gail Wiles and Jeanne Wiles Akren.
He is survived by son, Jeff Wiles of Jonesboro; favorite daughter, Deb Wiles of Orange, TX; grandson, Trystan Wiles of Fresno, CA; nieces and nephews, Rick (Diane) Tribble, Rhonda Jenkins, Mark Wiles, Ken Wiles and Angela (Jeff) Quigley. He was considered a second father by Jeff and Deb's stepsister, Vicki Allen (Dan) Westburg.
Funeral services will be at 2pm on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at Roller-Farmer Funeral Home with Pastor Randy Stimach officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Bono.
Visitation will be from 1pm until time of service.
The family wishes that memorial contributions be made to the Crowley's Ridge Cruisers Car Club, 502 CR 702, Jonesboro, AR 72405.
We were neighbors and friends with Jerry's sister and brother-in-law, Jeannie and Jerry Akren.
And that is how we came to know Jerry Don and became friends with him. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family. He was a good man and he will be missed by all who knew him.
BroJeff Im sorry about your dad. Pray God Touch you and strengthen you.
John Gray
Jeffery,
My condolences are with you and your family.
Stephanie
Lowe’s Home Improvement sends its most sincere condolences.
I have so many fond memories of the years Jerry and I had together. Love leaves a memory no one can take away.
Jeff Wiles has been my friend for many, many years now and I was so pleased to have met Jerry the couple times that I did. Gentleness and kindness, like he passed on to his son. Loved his pinball machines and I did 'em proud! Blessings to all the family. Jen
Jerry was a great Neighbor. He will be missed by all who new him. Condolence to the family.
Jerry was a kind and considerate person,
always pleasant company.
May the love and kindness he gave be with his family and friends now and always.
Well Uncle Jerry you are now with Momma and Daddy and Jean, Duane and others. We've been close the last few years working around the property and gardening but most recently just talking and reminiscing. I know you loved your family time and friends...a people person you were. Until we meet again...Love You. Rick and Diane
I am so grateful I got to spend time with Jerry a few years back on a trip to Arkansas with my friend Jeff!! Jerry was such a sweetheart , so kind,thoughtful and had a great sense of humor!! He will be missed. Prayers for his family and friends !
The Bono Class of 1959 will sorely miss former classmate Jerry at our get-togethers. Rest easy, friend.
Duane and I were fortunate to get to know Jerry through Crowley's Ridge Cruisers. He was a good asset to the club. We will miss him.
To Wile family: Jerry will be missed, Had many good times talked cars & living in Whittier. Ca.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I always enjoyed my conversations with Jerry. He is now in heaven with his siblings and parents.
Prayers for the family!
My best friend since the first grade and he will be missed.
Jerry was a very special man and friend . He will definitely be missed by many.
We are so grateful to have been able to be in the Crowley’s Ridge Cruisers Car Club with him.
Sending prayers to his family.
RIP Jerry