Gerald Ivan “Jerry” Miles was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1946, in Russellville, Kentucky, and passed away on November 26, 2025, just two days before his 79th birthday. He was preceded in death by his parents, J.C. and Pauline Miles, his brother Joseph Miles, and his in-laws, Marvin and Evelyn Parker.
He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 58 years, Dawn Miles; his daughters Wendy Haddix (Will) and Tracy Jones (Bill); his beloved grandchildren Aaron Haddix (Carly), Allen Haddix, Brady Jones, and Anderson Jones; and his precious great-granddaughter, Murphy Kay Haddix.
The Funeral Service, conducted by Pastor David Fallin, will be held in the chapel of Sellars Funeral Home at Mt. Juliet on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025, at 02:00 p.m. Interment with full Military Honors will follow with family members serving as pallbearers. The family will receive friends prior to the service on Wednesday, December 3rd from 01:00 p.m. until time of service at 02:00 p.m.
Jerry spent his childhood summers working on his grandparents’ farm, where his lifelong love of vegetable gardening was born. Every year he took great pride in growing a large garden, sharing fresh tomatoes, okra, corn, squash, cucumbers, and watermelons with his girls – something they always looked forward to. He also enjoyed growing fruit trees and grapevines, carefully tending apple, peach, cherry, and pear trees over the years.
After graduating high school, Jerry proudly served in the United States Navy from 1964 to 1968. He spent two years aboard the USS Belmont, an intelligence communications ship, traveling to South America and Africa. For his service, he received the National Defense Service Medal.
On January 27, 1968, Jerry married the love of his life, Dawn, beginning a beautiful journey together. Their family was made complete with the birth of their first daughter in 1974, and again with the blessing of a second daughter in 1977.
In 1970, he started his career as a letter carrier with the United States Postal Service, where he faithfully served for 44 years until his retirement in 2014. Jerry was known for his incredible work ethic, a value he instilled in his children. He taught them to be honest, to love their family and country, and to live by strong moral principles.
He faithfully attended church throughout his life, serving as a member of Two Rivers Baptist Church from 1973 to 2007 and First Baptist Church Mt. Juliet from 2007 until 2025.
Beyond gardening, Jerry had many interests. He loved attending the Wilson County Fair each year, admiring the animals and exhibits. His fascination with ham radios began in high school when a neighbor introduced him to the hobby – a passion he continued throughout his life collecting and tinkering with them. Most days Jerry could be found outside working in his vegetable garden, chopping wood and tending the yard. On rainy days, he caught up on paperwork, read historical books, or watched classic country music shows.
Jerry was frugal and practical, never believing in wasting anything – often jokingly described by his daughter as someone who could “squeeze a penny until it screamed.” He also collected coins and stamps and had a deep interest in genealogy, spending countless hours researching family history and preserving it for future generations.
He loved traditional gospel music and classic country, and cherished watching his grandsons play basketball, football, and baseball over the years. Above all, Jerry loved his family deeply, and his presence will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.
While our hearts ache, we take comfort in knowing Jerry is now with Jesus, and we rejoice in the promise that we will see him again.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to Alive Hospice. They were truly wonderful to my dad and to our family. We are grateful for the compassion, kindness, and care they provided during this difficult time.
Arrangements by Sellars Funeral Home at Mt. Juliet, 2229 N. Mt. Juliet Road, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122, 615-758-5459, obituary line 615-758-8818, www.sellarsfuneralservices.com
This obituary was published by Sellars Funeral Home.
This obituary was published by Obituaries provided free for the community.
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