Jerry Dean Miller

1948 - 2025

Jerry Dean Miller 76 was born on September 22, 1948 and departed his life on January 9, 2025. He was born to Lawrence and Nadia Cantrell in Springfield, Mo. His grandparents were Lissie and Ray Stokes. There were five children born to this union, Richard, Bonnie, Jerry, Wanda, and Dixie. They have two half-siblings Debbie and Alvin. In August 1955 Jerry and one sister Bonnie were adopted by Wilbur and Mildred Miller of Stockton, Mo. Wilbur and Mildred always made sure they got to see their siblings through the years. Jerry was baptized at a young age at the United Methodist church where he never missed a Sunday. He always loved to go to MYF with his friends. Jerry entered the Stockton school district in first grade and went through all years graduating in 1967. After graduation he went directly into the U.S Navy and was stationed in Vietnam where he served his country with pride. After serving he returned to Stockton and started dating the neighborhood girl, Joetta Wallen, who he threw into the rosebush coming home from 1st grade. He received quite a spanking for that incident. His mother brought him down to Joetta's house and spanked him right in front of her. Jerry wouldn't cry but Joetta did! He told her she was the cause of his first spanking but she said "I KNOW that cannot be true!" He then married Joetta Wallen April 14th, 1973 and to this union they had one son Jerry Scott Miller and one daughter Kerry Lynn Miller. His favorite title was "Granddad" to Elizabeth Rose, Christopher Scott, and Lilly Nicole. Also his two great-grandsons Marshall Todd and Damien Michael and he was so looking forward to the arrival of his new great-granddaughter Gracie Rose. He also loved his dog Sophie, his constant companion always by his side. His whole life he worked in sales and vending machines. Jerry had many routes and made many friends along the way. He started J D Miller Enterprise in 1997 and built his business with the help of his son Scott. In fact, on Thursday when he had his heart attack he was servicing a machine. Jerry was a hard worker and even at 76 years of age he took pride in his work. He always called his best customers his friends. His best friends whom he loved dearly were his family. His family was his life and he loved them beyond words. He was so proud of the family he and Joetta had together. Jerry is survived by his wife Joetta who he loved dearly. They were going on 52 years of marriage. His son Jerry Scott Miller(Cheryl) of Nixa, Mo; His daughter Kerry Lynn Miller(Ryan) of Springfield; His grandchildren Elizabeth Raby (Caleb), Christopher Miller, and Lilly Eubanks(Noah). His great-grandchildren Marshall, Damien, and soon to arrive Gracie Rose. Brother Richard Cantrell(Janet), sisters Bonnie Jones, Wanda Franco both of Springfield, Dixie Hart of Walnut Grove, Debbie Smith(Phillip) of Sacramento, CA. and Alvin Chastain of Springfield. Brother in-law Charles Wallen (Melissa) of Stockton; sister in-law Katherine Mansur (Russ) of K.C, Mo and many nieces and nephews that loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his biological parents Lawrence and Nadia Cantrell, his adoptive parents Wilbur and Mildred Miller, his mother and father in-law Gerald and Melva Wallen, Brother-in-law James Franco, brother in-law Ellis Jones and nephew Russell Cantrell.
He will be missed beyond words.