Jackie Liles

Jackie Wayne Liles, 85, of Searcy, passed away Saturday, December 7, 2019. He was born October 4, 1934 in McRae, Arkansas to the late Thomas Marvin Liles and Anna Bell Caldwell. As a teenager, Jackie went to California with his family to work in the fields picking fruits and vegetables. Returning to Arkansas, he joined the Army then married the love of his life, Janet Louise. While stationed in Germany, Jackie became a father to his first son, Jerry. After his Army discharge, Jack worked for Terryland Dairy as a milkman and then for Coleman Dairy for many years. Jackie’s second son, Joe, was born in late 1960 and Jackie and Janet eventually bought a farm and a Dean’s milk distributorship. Jackie loved raising cattle. For many years, the family raised cattle while also running the milk route. Always willing to try new things, Jack ventured into the over the road trucking business, built and sold houses, and did row cropping with his sons. After the cattle, construction and cropping ventures, Jackie bought the Dairy Queen in Balk Knob and turned it into Jackie’s Drive In. He worked long hours and made lot of friends while in the business. As an addition to the drive in, Jack also opened a bait shop which was very convenient in supporting his fishing hobby. Jack finally decided to sell both businesses and retire; however, that didn’t last long. Jackie’s friend, Judge Bob Parrish convinced him to work for the county. After working as the country road foreman for a while, Jackie decided to run for Searcy alderman where he served two terms. Jackie finally did retire and enjoyed more fishing time! For Jackie, work was not all there was to life. He loved to quail hunt and fish. He also enjoyed watching sports and westerns on television. Jack spent his last years at home taking care of his wife of more than 60 years. Jackie loved the Lord and his family. He enjoyed spending time with them. Jack was a member of West Race Baptist Church. A special thanks goes to Teresa Liles, Jackie’s Daughter in Law, who cared for him when he could not take care of himself. Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Janet Louise “Swinney” Liles; children, Jerry Wayne Liles (Teresa), Joe Don Liles (Janet); one brother, Thomas Edgar “Eddie” Liles (Jennie); grandchildren, Justin Wayne Liles, Jennifer Danielle Liles ( Corey Wilson); great-grandchildren, Jason Edward Baldwin; many nieces, nephews friends and other family members. Jackie is preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Betty Sue Weir (Porter) and Juoy Ann Harmon (Tommy). Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. with services starting at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at the West Race Baptist Church. Burial will follow at the White County Memorial Gardens. Arrangements entrusted to Clinton Funeral Service. To sign Jackie’s Book of Memories, please go to www.clintonfuneralservice.com.