Jerry Ray Voyles

Jerry Ray Voyles passed into the arms of our Lord and Saviour on May 3, 2025, at home after a yearlong battle with bile duct cancer.

Jerry was born on June 1, 1947, to Ray and Margaret Voyles in Poplar Bluff, MO.  When Jerry was two, the family relocated to Steilacoom, WA because his dad was in the US Army and was stationed at Fort Lewis.  At the age of 3.5 years old, Jerry’s dad was killed in the Korean War.  Jerry’s mom and sister relocated to Kelso, WA shortly thereafter.  It was in SW Washington while living in the Eufaula Heights area that Jerry realized his love for hunting, fishing, and the outdoors.  His mom indicated in his baby book that he was afraid of dogs, which is ironic, because he later loved hunting with hound dogs and had dogs as companions throughout his life.  Jerry graduated from Mark Morris High School in Longview in 1965.  Upon graduation, he joined the US Marine Corps.  While in the Marines, he was stationed at Camp Pendleton in California and transferred to USNS in Kodiak, Alaska.  He received a national defense medal and a rifle sharpshooter badge before being honorably discharged for being the sole surviving son in September 1966.  After being discharged, Jerry bought his dream car - a brand new 1967 Corvette Stingray.  He had to get rid of it due to the cost of gas and insurance, but he spent his later years looking for his car.  Jerry met the love of his life, Claudia Nolan, in the spring of 1967.  They were married on June 29, 1968.  In September of 1969, they welcomed their son, James “Jim” Ray in the family.  Nearly four years later, they completed their family with the arrival of their daughter, Corina “Cori” Annette in June of 1973.  In 1974, he and Claudia relocated their family to five acres in Winlock, WA, where they lived the rest of their lives. 

Jerry was a heavy equipment diesel mechanic by trade and began his career by working for Halton Tractor Co.  He began working for NC Machinery Co in 1971. He was given the opportunity to work on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System in Alaska two different times between 1975-1977.  After gaining considerable experience through NC, he became self-employed and started Voyles Equipment Co (VECo).  He gained quite the reputation for being an excellent diesel mechanic and was never short of work.  During this time, he also taught a diesel mechanic class at Bates Technical College in Tacoma.  He did make the decision to close his business after five years and began working for Tom Martin Construction.  He also worked for Olympia Oil & Wood and George Gill Construction before he retired.  However, his knowledge and expertise were highly sought after, so he began working for himself from home.  He continued working up until he was diagnosed with cancer last spring, but still took phone calls to help other diesel mechanics troubleshoot their current jobs or to offer advice.  

During his spare time, Jerry was an avid hunter both with and without hound dogs.  He loved to hear those dogs baying in the distance.  It was especially a joy when his son was old enough to join him on his many hunting adventures, which included elk camp in the fall.  In later years, he would do hunts in Idaho, Wyoming, Texas, and Montana that required he and his hunting buddies to pack in with horses or on foot to high country.  Jerry enjoyed fishing on the Columbia River with his brother-in-law, Calvin.  He had many hobbies over the years that included reloading, target practice with guns and bows, attending gun shows, sharpshooting competitions, and collecting baseball caps.  He and Claudia enjoyed spending time traveling to Voyles family reunions, which often included grandchildren tagging along, and trail riding with horses.  In his later years, he really enjoyed time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren by attending their many activities.  His greatest love was for the Lord, whom he served faithfully.  He would witness to many about Christ's love for them and the importance of salvation. He was very knowledgeable about the Word of God, which was a direct result of studying the bible every morning before he began his day, and he could quote any passage. He was an active member of Christian Fellowship of Winlock since 1978.  He served in the church as an elder, new believers mentor and leader, led a home bible study group, and was a commander in the AWANA program for 38 years. 

Jerry is survived by his son, Jim (Rebekah) Voyles of Pocatello, ID; his daughter, Cori (Gerard) Thurlow of Winlock, WA; his grandchildren - Jamee (Chelsea) Thurlow of Portland, OR; Garrett Voyles of Chehalis, WA; Emalee (Alex Bateman) Thurlow of Stanley, ND; Chloee Thurlow of Winlock, WA; and EmmaJean Elquist of Pocatello, ID.  His great-grandchildren Olivia, Lowen, and Thorin Thurlow of Portland, OR.  His sister, Jenny (Calvin) Smith, of Kelso, WA; his sister Pat (Dave) Jurgens, of Vancouver, WA; and his sister, Jennifer (Mike) Jenkins, of Kelso, WA.  His sister-in-law, Chris (Ed) Rheaume, of Longview, WA; brother-in-law, Larry (Barb) Nolan, of Belgrade, MT; and numerous nephews and nieces.  He is also survived by dear friends who became family to him and Claudia, Jeff and Serena Anderson, of Napavine, WA.  

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Claudia; his parents, Ray Voyles and Margaret Huse; his stepfathers, Dell Williams and Mitch Huse.  

The family would like to thank Jerry’s primary physicians, oncologists, surgeons, Assured Home Health, and Assured Home Health Hospice for the care that they have provided him over the past year during his illness.  We would also like to thank our family, friends, and church family for all your love, support, and prayers. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 AM at Christian Fellowship of Winlock (630 Cemetery Road, Winlock, WA 98596).  Lunch will be provided afterwards.  A private family graveside will take place at a later date.  

Per Jerry’s request, please consider making donations to the AWANA program at Christian Fellowship of Winlock (PO Box 537, Winlock, WA 98596) in lieu of flowers.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jerry Ray Voyles, please visit our floral store.