Larry Earl Wiles

Larry Earl Wiles, 68, of Jonesboro passed from this life Thursday, June 2, 2022, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House.

Larry was born to the late Ernest Weldon and Roma Ellaene Wiles on September 20, 1953 in Jonesboro. Larry grew up in Bay, Arkansas, moving to Jonesboro soon after high school. He was a long-time member of Forest Home Church of the Nazarene.

He attended Arkansas State University after high school where he played baseball and pursued a degree. Larry’s baseball career was cut short due to a knee injury causing a decision to join the Air Force. He worked as a MP on the Montgomery Air Force Base.

After his years in the Air Force, Larry was ready to return to the Jonesboro.  He enrolled in the Military Science Program at Arkansas State University, earning his commission as an officer in the Army National Guard.  Larry earned the rank of Major and served full-time in the Army National Guard until retirement. While pursuing his degree at ASU, he met the love of his life, Mary Jo Purtee. Larry earned a bachelor’s degree and started teaching in a vocational program teaching electronics. He taught for 20 years and retired as a vocational teacher at Jonesboro High School.

Larry was very active in sports and fine arts. His love for playing softball was enjoyed for many years. After retirement he became an avid golfer, playing almost every day. Larry loved to sing!  He loved church choir and performing in musicals. He was active at the Jonesboro Forum with the Foundation of Arts, where he performed in many musicals such as Annie, South Pacific, My Fair Lady and many others.

Most of all he loved his family, especially his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his brother, John Charles Wiles.

Larry is survived by his wife of 41 ½ years, Mary Wiles, of the home; son, Matthew (Amber) Wiles of Little Rock; daughter, Sara Michelle (Michael) Flowers of Olive Branch, MS; twin brother, Garry Ernest (Becky) Wiles of Jonesboro; sister, Carolyn (Tom) Bowden of Arlington, TX; grandchildren, Madelyn Ayers, Lee Ayers, Chelsee Ayers, Alyssa Flowers, Maggie Flowers, Savannah Wiles, Ridge Wiles, and Caroline Wiles; and great grandson, Charlie Thomas.

All services will be private.

For lasting memorials, the family has asked to please consider donations to Forest Home Church of the Nazarene.