Jerry Ray Mize

Jerry Ray Mize, 54, of Orlando, Florida, passed away on May 26, 2025. 

Born on July 4, 1970, in Great Bend, Kansas, to Gary Mize and Nancy Miller, Jerry spent his early years in Michigan, California, and Alabama. He graduated from Wellborn High School in Anniston, AL in 1988, went on to earn his Bachelor's degree at Jacksonville State University (JSU), and later completed a Master’s degree through Webster University. 

After high school, Jerry joined the Army National Guard and soon went on active duty. He proudly served in the U.S. Army for 28 years before retiring in 2016. Jerry was a cadet at JSU through the Green to Gold program and later returned to his alma mater as an ROTC instructor, where he mentored countless future Army officers. He continued his service as a dedicated government employee until his passing. 

In 1996, Jerry met the love of his life, Catrina, at Fort Huachuca, AZ. The two were married for 28 years and raised two children together, Asiana (27) and K (26). Jerry was a family man through and through—everything he did was with his wife and kids in mind. 

Jerry had a wide range of interests. He loved Star Wars, Dungeons & Dragons, traveling, history, bowling, and collecting just about anything that caught his eye. He had a great sense of humor, always having a pun ready for any situation, a big heart, and an even bigger laugh. But above all, his greatest joy was simply being with his family. 

He leaves behind his wife, children, extended family, and many friends—people whose lives he touched in ways both big and small. He will be deeply missed. 

The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 1, 2025 from 2:00 - 3:00 PM at Newcomer Funeral Home, East Orlando Chapel.  A Celebration of Jerry's life will be held at 3:00 PM in the funeral home chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to any Veterans Association or to Second Harvest Food Bank—two causes Jerry cared deeply about.