Gerald Ray "Jerry" Miles passed away peacefully on December 29, 2019 with family by his side at the Hospice Center in Fort Meade, SD.

Jerry was born June 7, 1937 to Kenneth and Cleone (Atkinson) Miles in Lemmon, SD. Along with his two younger siblings, Arlene and Norman, Jerry grew up on a ranch near Meadow SD. He enjoyed his grade school years and attended a one room school for grades 1-8. Jerry attended high school at Bison and Lemmon. While in high school, he enjoyed his agriculture classes the most and looked forward to them each day.

Jerry's grandfather, Benjamin Atkinson "Pappy", had a huge influence on his life. Being able to live so close to Pappy while growing up was very special and Jerry enjoyed spending countless hours with him. The occasional fishing trips they took together made time with his grandfather especially memorable.

After graduating from high school, college wouldn't be the next step in Jerry's life; Uncle Sam had other plans, Jerry enlisted and spent four years in the Army. Those four years had fond memories for Jerry as he was able to travel to places such as Germany, Paris and London.

Jerry's life was blessed when he married his German born wife, Edith. Together they had three children, Christel, Wes, and Stephanie. With the addition of grandchildren and great grandchildren; Jerry was always quick to point out that life was great and his family was always very close to his heart.

During his life, Jerry had the privilege of working many jobs. He was involved in ranching, operating a motel, owned a gas station, owned and managed an apartment fourplex, he was an electrician, worked maintenance at the Spearfish High school, and owned and operated a part-time tree stump removal business. Jerry stayed close to his western South Dakota roots and settling in Spearfish was a perfect match for Jerry and his family. He enjoyed reading about the local history of the area he called home. Taking in a good rodeo was perfect entertainment for Jerry. In his retirement, Jerry enjoyed going on wagon trains and trail rides. He built his own buggy, and used that buggy while on rides. When not driving his team, Jerry would often be seen riding his mule. Jerry also had a love for Ford tractors.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Edith; children, Christel Miles, Wes (Dawn) Miles, and Stephanie (Justin) Crago; grandchildren, Jennifer (Zach) Gaaskjolen, Turner, Brian, and Fallon Miles, Remi and Gray Crago; three great-grandchildren; brother, Norman and sister, Arlene. He is preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Conner Miles.

Jerry's family extends a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful caring staff at the VA Hospice facility.

Memorial services will be at 10:30 AM on Friday, January 3, 2020 at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish. Inurnment will follow at the Black Hills National Cemetery with full military honors near Sturgis. A reception will take place at the Spearfish Senior Center at 1:30 PM following the burial.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com