Jan. 21, 1966 — June 12, 2014

Jerry Dale Tilley, 48, of Niles, died at 6:30 a.m. Thursday, June 12, 2014, at his home following an extended illness.

He was born on Jan. 21, 1966, in Saint Louis, Missouri to Dallas Ray and Sue Emagene (Wright) Tilley. He attended school in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and has lived in Niles since October of 2010.

He was employed for many years driving over-the-road for Dayton Freight Lines in Chicago, Mississippi Motor Freight, and MDR Trucking. He was also employed as a diesel mechanic for Shannon Trucking.

Jerry always attended a Pentecostal church. He enjoyed deer hunting wherever he lived. He also enjoyed rebuilding and maintaining classic cars, especially his 1979 Camaro Z28.

On Nov. 30, 1992, in Jonesboro he married the former Regina G. Rios, with whom he celebrated 21st anniversary of their wedding last year.

He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Alana Tilley in 2012, his father, Dallas Tilley in 2013; a brother, Buddy Dewayne Tilley and sister, Janice Dallene Tilley.

Surviving family includes his wife, Gina and their children, Joey Tilley, Jessica (Lee Ford) Tilley, Chase Tilley, and Callume Tilley, all of Niles; granddaughter, Makayla Tilley; Jerry’s mother, Sue Tilley of Jonesboro; his siblings, Wendell (Lanelda) Tilley of Bay, Arkansas and Tony (Kay) Tilley and Kelly (Kenny) Bass, both of Jonesboro; Gina’s mother, Wanda (James) Smith of Marked Tree, Arkansas and sister, Christy (Charles “Bubba”) Black of Niles; and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Jerry Tilley will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 21, 2014, at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with Pastor Matthew Bair of Bethel Tabernacle in Niles officiating. Committal will be private on Monday at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Contributions in memory of Jerry may be made to the donor’s choice.

www.halbritterfunerals.com