Jerris K. Miles

Guilford – Jerris K. Miles, 72, passed away suddenly September 8, 2025, at his home. He was born May 29, 1953, in Monson, the son of Kenneth W. and Winifred "Bobbie" E. (Moulton) Miles.

Even from a young age, Jerris had a strong work ethic but a loving heart. Growing up on a farm, he developed a love of animals of all kinds. He had an innate ability to sense when animals were in need of help or friendship. Much to his mother's surprise, that even extended to an abandoned baby skunk that he named "Skunky Prebble". Skunky Prebble was eventually de-scented and lived a long healthy life at the "Miles Zoo".

Jerris went through the Guilford education system, graduating in 1971 from Piscataquis Community High School, and garnered many lifelong friends in the process. After graduation, Jerris showcased his work ethic and love of country by enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps.

During boot camp, his older and very mischievous brother, Steven Miles, an Army Ranger in the 101st Airborne Division, purposely sent him many letters of encouragement adorned with Army insignia and messaging, knowing full well it would cost Jerris many push-ups to retrieve those letters. And this good natured "battle" between Army and Marines continued for a lifetime, much to the joy of family and friends who witnessed it. After boot camp, Jerris was assigned to the U.S.S. Springfield stationed in Italy, and toured through Europe and many other points around the world.

After returning home from the military, Jerris found employment in the meat packing industry, and settled in Manchester, New Hampshire, where his sister, Kenene, lived with her family. Jerris and Kenene shared a very close and loving relationship throughout their lives. If these two were in the same room, you knew there would be jokes and laughter flowing in all directions.

In time, Jerris ventured to South Dakota to visit his oldest brother, Dennis. He fell in love with the midwest, gained many deep friendships, and enjoyed a long tenure working at Gehl Manufacturing. Living in the midwest fueled his passion for raising animals, and in short order he purchased property where he raised Black Angus beef. He loved learning about the importance of proper feeds and genetics in raising high quality beef, but his boyish love of animals ensured that all his cattle had names and came running when he called them.

After the passing of his parents, Jerris moved back to the family farm in Guilford, Maine, intent on extending the legacy his parents had built since 1952 of "the homestead" being a place of peace, love, and renewal for all who visited. He began raising beef animals on the acreage, and encouraged all family and friends, especially the young kids, to feed the animals apples from the small orchard, to rub noses, and help name new calves. Jerris built a farm pond as a tribute to his father who always meant to build one, but most of all, he enjoyed the endless supply of ducks, geese, turkeys, deer, fox, and the occasional moose that loved this dirt as much as he did. He always said the animals were the best show on earth.

A special thank you to Vicky Bedard's children and grandchildren, Joe Bedard and wife, Dani, their children, Jasmine and Ann, along with Travis Bedard and his partner, Laura, for warmly embracing Jerris and seeing him as family.

Jerris is survived by his two children, whom he considered his greatest accomplishment, Danielle Gray and her husband, Dale, and Sergeant First Class Justin Miles and his wife, Laura; his significant other, Victoria "Vicky" Bedard; two brothers, Dennis Miles and his wife, Shirley, and Tallus Miles and his wife, Anita; four grandchildren that he was exceptionally proud of, Jazzmine, Morgan, Jackson, and Case; four great-grandchildren, Laurel, Elliott, Ella, and Cecilia; two special nephews that he took under his wing, Jason and George Miles; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Steven Miles; and sister, Kenene Wintle.

Military honors will be conducted 12 Noon Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the family lot in the Lawn Cemetery, Guilford. After the committal continued celebration of Jerris' life will be held at the family homestead, 232 Wharff Road, Guilford. Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.