Kenneth Miles

Kenneth E. Miles, age 88, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 as he was surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 13, 1935 in Baxley, GA to the late Othello M. Miles and Mittie Sellers Miles. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Betty Lewis Miles; his son, Scottie Kenneth Miles; his brothers, Oswell Miles, Alvin Miles, and Lanier Miles; and his sister, Annie Ruth Miles Tillman.

Ken leaves behind to cherish his memory four children: Suzan Jarman and her husband, Tim,of Kannapolis, NC, Janet Bruce and her husband, Myron, of Danville, VA, Lorri Murphy and her husband, Mike, of Rocky Mount, NC and Mitch Miles and his wife, Nancy, of Rocky Mount, NC; eight grandchildren: Natalie McKeel (Blake), Lauren Guilliams (Jordan), Nathan Woodcock (Natalie), Nick Woodcock (Jamie), Meredith Bauguess (Adam), Neil Woodcock (Jana), Brandon Miles (Lindsay), Caroline Bryant (Stephen); eighteen great-grandchildren: Kenzington, Anniston, Brixton, Livingston and Cashton Jo Guilliams, Emerson and Ellington McKeel, Braven and Bentyn Bauguess, Chandler and Bentley Woodcock, Olivia, Isaac and Jack Woodcock, Laettner and Lillian Woodcock, Blaire and Emelia Miles; and a host of in-laws, nephews, nieces and friends whom he loved deeply.

Ken was a 1952 Graduate of Baxley High School where he was an outstanding athlete and then on August 19, 1954 he married the love of his life, Betty Lewis. He went on to serve in the US Army and was stationed in Hawaii and then served in the National Guard of GA and was honorably discharged in 1967. Although he grew up in South Georgia, Ken and Betty also lived in Hawaii, FL, SC, NC, and VA.

In his early years, Ken worked for the Postal Service before launching his successful lifetime career in manufacturing. He retired as Plant Manager of Hampco Apparel in Chatham, VA in 2001 and he is always remembered as the “Best Boss Ever.” Ken knew how to love people well and his employees were truly a second family to him.

Whether Kenneth was going to church, singing praises to God, talking about Jesus and what He was teaching him, or his relationship with Christ, he greatly impacted many and was a true example of a heart for Christ. Second only to Christ, family was such a priority for him and there is nothing he loved more than to have his family gatherings and celebrations. He was a faithful and cherished husband, daddy and Papa. He began each day saying: “Thank you Lord for letting me see another day.”

After retirement, they moved to Myrtle Beach, SC and enjoyed many years with their precious grandchildren spending their spring breaks and summers with them. PaPa loved serving up his famous homemade peach ice cream, playing golf, eating at Big E’s, and singing gospel songs while washing dishes. He was cherished by his grand and great-grand children and he was always present to celebrate them.

Ken loved people, playing golf, sewing and making many special keepsakes for others, playing sports, watching ballgames, an immaculate lawn, decorating extravagantly for his favorite season, Christmas, serving in the food pantry, singing in the choir, and the senior trips with his Buck Creek Baptist Church family. He was humble, kind, generous and extremely witty.

The Celebration of Life service will be held at First Pentecostal Holiness Church at 1810 N. Main Street, Danville, VA on Saturday, March 25th at 2:00 p.m. where he will lie in state from 1:00-2:00 and the visitation will immediately follow the service. Kenneth’s son-in-law, Rev. Myron Bruce, and his grandson, Rev. Neil Woodcock will be officiating the service and his children, known as “The Miles Family” will be singing.

He lived life to the fullest and taught us how to show up early, tip well, treat everyone with dignity, dress for the occasion, enjoy the people and the moments you have and love Jesus the most. As a loving husband, father, PaPa, and friend, he will be dearly missed and his infectious smile and personality will never be forgotten.

Flowers are welcomed or memorials may be made to the Building Fund at First PH Church, 1810 N. Main Street, Danville, VA. 24540.

Arrangements are entrusted to Edwards Funeral Home, 120 College Street, Norwood, NC. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.edwardsfuneralhomes.com

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