Jerry V. Miley

Jerry V. Miley, age 93, of Monroe County, passed away on May 26, 2026.

He was born on November 7, 1932, in the Allendale community to Joe T. Miley and Gertrude Scott Miley. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Joe C. Miley and Thomas B. Miley; one sister, Glenda Jean Shumard; and his daughter-in-law, Dorsalee Shumard Miley.

Jerry spent his entire life as a proud resident of Monroe County, where he was raised with a strong work ethic and deep respect for family, land, and tradition. He began working early in life and built his career around farming, construction work, managing local farms, and later operating Miley’s Exxon. He was known for his dependability, strong hands-on work ethic, and the pride he took in everything he did. He also carried forward his family’s long-standing agricultural tradition of farming and harvesting sweet potatoes, a legacy that began in 1901.

In 1954, Jerry proudly enlisted in the United States Army and served honorably in Germany for two years.

On January 19, 1958, he married the love of his life, Anita J. Miley (Gunter). Their marriage spanned 68 years and was built on devotion, hard work, and a lifelong commitment to family. Together they raised two sons: Dale Miley, born October 6, 1958, and Gary Miley, born November 7, 1961.

Jerry’s life was defined not only by his work and family, but also by the many people he loved and considered family. He was known for opening his heart and home to others and forming lifelong bonds beyond blood relations, including a special relationship with Joe Riffey, whom he cared for as family.

As his life and reputation grew within the community, Jerry was appointed Monroe County Judge and served from 2009 to 2010, an honor he carried with humility and respect for the people he served.

He was also a dedicated member of the Masonic fraternity for 63 years, belonging to Brinkley Masonic Lodge 295 and White River 37 in Des Arc. He achieved the distinction of 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, a recognition he held with great pride and dedication to its principles.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Anita J. Miley; his sons, Dale Miley and Gary Miley (Deana); six grandchildren, Joseph Wayne Shumard (Tracy), Jason Shumard (Cindy), Meagan Miley, Jennifer McCoy (Justin), Gunter Miley (Brianna), and Justine Miley; ten great-grandchildren, Tyler Maynard (Jonah), Season Shumard, Tanner Shumard, Katlynn McCoy, Rader McCoy, Audrey Miley, Max Miley, Miley Dale McCoy, Jaclyn Miley, and Luke McCoy; and two great-great-grandchildren, Jack Maynard and Tucker Maynard

If you knew Jerry, you knew laughter, hard work, and unconditional love. He lived a life devoted to family and passed peacefully on May 26, 2026. Services were held on Friday May 29, 2026 at The Assembly of God Church in Brinkley. Guestbook/obit/www.bobnealandsons.com