Birth date: Feb 19, 1957 Death date: May 14, 2023
Jerry D. Nunley, aka Smiley, aka JerBob, aka JerBear passed away May 14, 2023. He was born in Alameda, California, February 19, 1957. His parents moved in 1967 to the family farm in Oldfield, Missouri. Jerry graduated from Ava Mis Read Obituary
My favorite memory is of my fishing trip with Jerry! I traveled down from Texas with his daughter Jade. And we went to lake Taneycomo. As a first time fisherman I was told I had to gut my fish I caught. I thought he was joking!!! He was not! I caught two fish and Jerry said I needed to gut them. He told me I couldn’t wimp out and then taught me how to do it! Now I’m able to gut a fish… thanks Jerry ☺️
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. - Krist Family
Ronald Nunley lit a candle in memory of Jerry Nunley
I am so sorry for your loss. I am forever grateful for his friendship. He was always kind to me and my family, always shared what he hunted with us. I will miss him and his smile.
Cedric and Regina Ashley
The single most important thing in his life was his family. We had many conversations about the teasing he had done over the years. He had great fond memories of his family growing through the years. He would tell these stories over and over. He had a great passion for hunting and fishing. He had harvested more deer than anyone I know. I’ll admit I got in trouble and scolded a couple times hunting for being to loud and not paying attention. He didn’t mind teaching me as long as you take it seriously. He taught a lot of people how to hunt and fish. He loved to teach his skills on all subjects. He was educated in almost everything and could tell you about the best advice on any subject. He had at one time or other experience about anything you can think of. He had been a farmer, a rancher, yard grader, a tune up specialist, landscaper, rock layer, bar tender, sprinkler system company, small engine mechanic and mowing service. He held a couple of positions including president of the Tulsa bass club. He was a great fisherman with awards to prove it. jerry was the best storyteller. Most every encounter had had with him through many many years before it was over, I would laugh so hard my stomach would hurt. The next day my stomach muscles would hurt. One time while duck hunting, we laughed so much about 2 dozen ducks quickly land thinking we were quaking ducks lol. Another time we were fishing, and I threw spinnerbait by the water’s edge and a raccoon ran down and snatched the bait out of the water. Jerry says he really wanted that pork chunk from the spinnerbait, I guess. I cut the line because it had hooked itself. we fished on but the jingle noise we heard clearly. We had a bluff overhead. Jerry says he wants more pork and is going to jump into the boat. He said Mr. Bojangles is probably the talk of the woods with his fancy jewelry. All the other racoons are going to be jealous. Bojangles followed us for 2 miles while we fished jingling through the woods that night. We named that spot Bojangles.
Jerry was very competitive. He loved to tease and rub it into you if he was catching more fish than you. It was rare to out fish him, so I got teased a lot. it was hard to outdo him at anything and even with cancer he was tough to keep up with, but I enjoyed every minute. On our Duck hunting ventures my dog Toby would lay his head on Jerry’s foot because he knew he would be the first to see a duck and the first to shoot. His dedication and attention during hunting was unmatched .
Jerry could be gruff with you but would end up a teddy bear. Everyone loved him.
Jerry,
My heart is broken. You are my best friend I enjoyed and cherished every moment I had with you. My Life without you will be difficult. I know you are in heaven now scouting for the best places for us to have fun and enjoy each other again one day. You were my safety officer, copilot, mechanic, hunting, fishing buddy and Jerry rigger. I Love you and miss you!
I went to visit Oklahoma with Jade a few years ago and meet Jerry and Leigh for the first time. Both of them were so welcoming and treated me like one of their kids. Jerry and I watched TV and poked fun at Jade when she wasn't in the room and sometimes when she was! I could tell he was very proud of his family and loved them very much. I will never forget his kindness and infectious laugh!
I was recently asked “what is a dad hero story that stands out?” Actually my dad was always there and ready. Every moment was a hero moment. He was never missing as father.
