Jerry Lee Stilley, age 62, son of Raymond and Eleanor (Gourley) Stilley was born September 29, 1946 in Bado, Missouri. He passed away June 24, 2009 at Cox South Hospital, Springfield, MO. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Linda. He is survived by his loving wife Vivian of Houston, two daughters: Kristie Vincent of Willard, MO and Florice Pearce of Bado, MO. beloved son-in-laws Bryan Vincent and Jack Pearce; two adored grandchildren John and Kate Vincent; two brothers; Leroy and Lowell of Bucyrus, MO; five sisters: Janet Stilley of Springfield, MO, Kay Dillon of Houston, Ermal Wondergem of Greenville, Michigan, Brenda Kinserlow of Houston, and Debbie Stilley of Bucyrus, MO; and several nieces and nephews.
Jerry grew up in the White Rock Community west of Houston. He attended the White Rock School1st - 8th grade, and then graduated from Houston High in 1964. He received a refrigeration certification from Graff Votech School, then voluntarily joined the USAF during the Vietnam War in January 1965 and was medically retired from service in March 1966.
He married the love of his life, Vivian Elaine Smith, on August 16, 1975 and they made their life living and working in the Houston Community. Side by side and hand in hand they loved working in the garden together, watching sunsets, and taking evening drives to look for deer.
Jerry loved all of his family and friends and cherished every moment he spent with them. He loved his time spent in the Donut Shop drinking coffee and "solving" the world's problems with his multitude of friends. He never met a stranger, he thought of everyone as a friend and everyone who knew him loved him back to the same degree. He never missed an opportunity to show his kindness or to go out of the way to make sure those around him felt special.
He will be so dearly missed, but the love he gave while here was so great that it shall never fade. My he garden in heaven with beautiful sunrises and sunsets without pain, without suffering and forever smiling, laughing and loving in the way we know he will.
Funeral services were held in the Evans Funeral Home Chapel, Monday, June 29, 2009 at 10:00 am, with Don Crockett officiating. Burial was in the White Rock Community Cemetery, Bucyrus, MO.
Carrie Westfall (Pierce)
So sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. I will always remember Jerry's smile and cheerful greeting when you met him. I hadn't seen Jerry in some time, but my daughter-in-law cared for him at the dialysis clinic where he received treatment and she was always commenting what a nice, caring, non-complaining person he was, even through his long illness. We'll miss you, Jerry.Larry Holder
I always liked Jerry very much. He will be missed by all that knew him. A great person.