Mickey Jerles

George Michael Jerles, lovingly known as “Mickey”, passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. He was 75 years old.

Celebration of Life will be held 11 a.m. Monday, January 27, 2025 with Rev. Larry Robertson officiating. Burial and US Air Force Honors will follow at Resthaven Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 26, 2025, from 3 to 6 p.m. and again on Monday from 9 a.m. until the hour of service at the funeral home. A Masonic Service will follow visitation at 6 p.m. on Sunday evening following the visitation.

Mickey entered this life on September 8, 1949, in Clarksville, TN. He was a 1968 graduate of Clarksville High school, where he enjoyed his time on the football team. Mickey’s love for sports extended beyond his school years, as he later became a sportswriter for Tipton Times in Munford, TN. He left Maynard Motors and moved to Munford, where he raised his two girls and spent a good portion of his life. While there, he was a member of Munford Baptist Church and Masonic Lodge #289. He made a mark on his community through his diverse career and passionate pursuits. Among those passions were his love for youth sports and activities. Mickey was instrumental in engaging the youth of Munford where he helped coach Dixie Youth Girls Softball. One of Mickey’s career highlights was driving a bus for the renowned evangelist, Billy Graham. He was also a Veteran of the United States Air Force, having honorably served his country. He went on to be a talented Service Manager for various automotive companies and was very skilled in this endeavor. Ford Motor Company named him a Master Certified Technician. Mickey was also an avid racer. He was best known for driving the Orange Blossom Special in the 70’s and later made his return at the age of 45, driving the number 45 car. Mickey’s multi-faceted career showcased his versatility and his passion for excellence in every endeavor he pursued. Aside from his talents, and accomplishments, he was a devoted father, and loving Pappy. His family meant the world to him. He often said that his girls were his painted heart.

Mickey is preceded in death by his father, Mack Ray Jerles; his mother, Martha Lou Pratt; step-sister, Martha Jane Black, and half-brother, Bobby Edgin.

Survivors include his loving daughters, Amy Jane Jerles Orton and Emily Shea Jerles; grandchildren, Sawyer Ashley Dickey (Anna), Josie Leigh Wright (Tate), Sydney Grace Young (Luke), and Canaan Stafford Orton; great-granddaughter, Miley Jo Black, and one on the way, Clara June Dickey; siblings, Mary Horner (Terry), Mack Jerles, Jr, Doris Butcher, and Barbara Mirabal. He also leaves behind Cacey Frazier (Caleb), whom he loved as a daughter, and her daughter, Cadence; stepmother, Helen Jerles; care-taker, Mary Starnes, and his beloved dog, Jazz. 

Serving as pallbearers will be Sawyer Dickey, Canaan Orton, Eric Russell, Mike Hodges, Don Young, Chris Wright, Staf Orton, Luke Jones, Tate Black and Ernie Rice. 

Along with his nephews, honorary pallbearers will be the 1967-1968 Clarksville High Football Players.

Online condolences may be made at www.NaveFuneralHomes.com