Jerry Richard Carlisle was born on Feb. 17, 1951, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He died on Wednesday, March 8, 2023.

Carlisle was preceded in death by his parents, Betty and Richard Carlisle, and his in-laws, Mary and Darrell Rowland. He is survived by his wife, best friend and love of his life of 46 years, Louise, and his three sons, Stephen (Holly), David (Teresa) and Jeremy (Courtney). Carlisle was also survived by his five beloved siblings, Patricia Carlisle, Tim Carlisle (Janice), Doris Bruender (David), David Carlisle (Nenita) and Norma Carlisle.

His five grandchildren (Abby Anne, Lizzy, Gideon, Dylan and Harper) were his pride and joy. Carlisle loved being outdoors with them and cheering them on in anything they were doing. He loved to brag about them to anyone who would listen. Carlisle also had a multitude of nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. He became a constant supporter, provider and cheerleader for many.

Beyond being a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend to so many, he was a successful entrepreneur and world traveler. Carlisle attended Gateway College of Evangelism in Missouri and did missions work in Brussels, Belgium, before becoming the founder and CEO of BTA member Business World in Little Rock, Arkansas, for 45 years. His many loyal employees were like family to him.

Among the many things Carlisle loved were a hot cup of coffee, a challenging Excel spreadsheet, a game of golf with his best friend, Oran, and family gatherings around the holidays. But more than any of that, he loved the Lord. Carlisle found many ways to give to others, serve in his church, and encourage and pray for friends and family over the years.

He never questioned where he would go after this life. Even in recent days, Carlisle told family and friends that he knew his maker and was not afraid of the future. This might be the greatest testimony and legacy that he could leave.

Carlisle will be greatly missed. However, he would want you to know this is not the end for those who know and love the Lord. He will be waiting to greet us at “the bridge” when we all enter into our heavenly home.

A visitation and celebration of life service was held on Saturday, March 11, at New Life Church Greater Little Rock, 8000 Crystal Hill Rd., North Little Rock, AR 72118.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Tupelo Children’s Mansion http://give.mansionkids.org (Memorial Tribute Gifts) or New Life Church West Little Rock http://newlifechurch.