Gerald "Jerry" Walker Haley

Gerald Walker “Jerry” Haley, 86, of Coker, AL drew his last earthly breath at 2:45 a.m. on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, and entered immediately into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If Jerry were here, he’d remind us all, “One day if you hear that Jerry Haley has died, don’t you believe it. I’ll be more alive than I’ve ever been!”

Jerry was born in Pulaski, VA on March 12,1935 to Walker Mullins and Vesta Sams Mullins. Shortly after his birth, he moved to Bluff City, TN where he remained until the age of 5 when he moved to Montgomery, AL with his mother and her husband, James “Jim” Wesley Haley. Jim would later adopt Jerry and change his last name from Mullins to Haley.

Jerry loved airplanes and his dream was to become a pilot but due to the loss of an eye at 15 he was never able to follow that dream. However, God had bigger plans for Jerry. He wanted Jerry to preach the Gospel.

In 1956, Jerry met the love of his life, Joyce Upchurch, and married her after only 6 dates. They married in 1957 and were married for 64 years. Jerry never grew tired of telling the story of when they met. In 1958, Jerry surrendered to God and was licensed to preach. Jerry was ordained in 1962 and he went on to pastor churches in Alabama, Oklahoma, Florida and Mississippi for a total of 62 years in the ministry.

Jerry was a printer by trade and used that trade to support his family while preaching part-time and going to school full time. After he graduated, Jerry became a full-time pastor. Jerry held a Bachelor of Arts degree from Samford University, a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He was a smart man, but these accomplishments paled in light of the pride and joy he had in his family. Jerry loved spending time with his family. He lived to see all but the 4 youngest great grands accept Christ and he was thrilled to be able to baptize most of them.

Jerry was an avid reader who enjoyed everything from religious themes to mysteries. Jerry enjoyed a good game of golf and was also an enthusiastic Alabama football fan, Roll Tide! He had many hobbies, including but not limited to model trains, model planes, fishing and working in his yard.

Jerry loved people and he loved telling them about his Jesus. Two days before he died, Jerry was preaching in his sleep. At the end of his sermon, he held out his hand and said, “Come just as you are.” That was the theme and message of his life, and if he could tell you one thing today, he would urge you to call upon the name of Jesus and be saved.

Jerry was Preceded in Death by his Parents James Walker Mullins, Jams Wesley Haley, Sr., and Vesta Sams Haley; 2 Great Grand-Children: Baby Phillips and Jake Wilson; Nephews: Christian Haley, Don Upchurch, Fred Knight, Don Conn, David Conn; Nieces: Sandra Norton, Kay Lowther; Much loved brothers and sisters-in-law: Cleve and May White, Joe and Cebie Thompson, Bonnie Knight. He is survived by his wife Joyce Upchurch Haley of Coker, AL; Daughters: Dede Haley Till (Chuck) and Renee’ Haley Ingle (Gary); Son: Wes Haley (Juliann); Grandchildren: Erin Till Wilson (Scott), Andi Till Phillips (Kyle), Brandon Ingle, Chip Till, Lauren Haley, Allison Haley Williams (Patrick); Great Grandchildren: Haley and Luke Wilson; Kyli, Cade, Carson and Cooper Phillips; Naomi and Elizabeth Williams; Brother: Jim Haley (Patricia); Brother In Law: B.E. Upchurch and Many beloved nieces and nephews.

Serving as Active Pallbearers will be: Chuck Till, Chip Till, Gary Ingle, Brandon Ingle, Luke Wilson, Cade Phillips, Carson Phillips, Cooper Phillips. With Scott Wilson, Kyle Phillips, Patrick Williams recognized as Honorary Pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gerald "Jerry's" memory may be made to St Jude Children's Reseach Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 US, www.stjude.org; and Shriners Children's, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Florida 33607 US, www.shrinerschildrens.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemoryChapelFuneralHome.com for the Haley family.

A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, January 08, 2022 at 1:00PM from Memory Hill Gardens, Garden of Devotion. Services are under the direction of Memory Chapel, a Dignity Memorial provider.