Robert A. Jiles

Robert A. Jiles, Jr. passed away peacefully on December 22, 2020, at the age of 96.

Mr. Jiles was a resident of the Northeast Louisiana War Veterans Home in Monroe. Mr. Jiles lived previously in Spearsville, LA for more than 50 years. Mr. Jiles was a veteran, having earned the rank of Corporal during the Korean War. Mr. Jiles was born on July 16, 1924, in Vienna, LA.

A graduate of Ruston High School, Mr. Jiles earned a BS degree in Forestry from the first Forestry graduating class at Louisiana Tech in 1948, and a Masters in Forestry from Duke University in 1956.

Mr. Jiles worked for the Tennessee Valley Authority, the U.S. Forest Service, and the LA Forestry Commission before working for several large forest products companies in north LA and south AR. He was proud of helping found the Southland Academy in Dubach and becoming its President.

Mr. Jiles was owner of Bernice Wood Company with wood yard facilities in Bernice and Spearsville. Mr. Jiles also maintained cattle and poultry operations on his farm. Mr. Jiles enjoyed the outdoors while pursing his passions of hunting, fishing and gardening. He also never tired of a good game of dominoes.

Mr. Jiles was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Ruth West Jiles, his parents Robert and Selma Jiles, sisters Maurie Foster and Claudia McInnis, and brother Dr. C. W. Jiles and infant brothers Bruce Reagan and Marvin.

Mr. Jiles is survived by his daughter Sarah Randolph (Ed) of Plano, TX, sons Steve Jiles (Dallas) of Lake Charles and Stan Jiles (Jana) of Spearsville, sisters Mary Ellen Graves Ray (Ronnie) of West Monroe and Doris Smith (Gaylan) of Bothell, WA, brother Morgan Jiles of Sevierville, TN; six grandchildren Rachel Smith (Thomas), Rebecca Hays (Beaux), Conley Jiles, Michele Miller, Robin Huff (Josh), and Ryan Jiles; four greatgrandchildren.

As a young man Robert was baptized at Temple Baptist Church in Ruston, LA, an event that was inspirational for his entire family. The family would like to thank the staff and employees of the Northeast Louisiana War Veterans Home and the nurses from Heart of Hospice for their care of Mr. Jiles.

Visitation was held from 4 -5 p.m. Saturday, December 26, 2020, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Farmerville. Burial services followed Sunday, December 27, 2020 at the Spearsville Cemetery with Tommy Bennett of Antioch Church of Christ officiating.