William Columbus Miles

William (Bill) Columbus Miles, age 88, of Malvern, Arkansas died Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at Arbor Oaks Rehabilitation Center in Malvern. He was of Cherokee heritage and born in Kingston, Tennessee on October 15, 1923 to the late Cleveland (Cleve) Miles and Nettie Lee (Snow) Miles. Along with his parents who preceded him in death, an infant brother in 1925 and a big sister, Mary Lee (Miles-Branum) Schales in 2009. Born during the time his dad ran the local ferry on the Clinch River at Kingston, he spent most of his life working alongside his dad raising tobacco crops and prize hogs on Starr Mountain in east TN. People came from far and wide to purchase their salt-cured hams. In later years he worked for Englewood Water Dept, Hugh Reynolds Manufacturing of Englewood and the City of Englewood. During his autumn years he and his wife were convinced to sell out and relocate to Arkansas to be near his sister and her children. It was never as home to him as the back hills of TN, but having family about and popping in on him was always special. He always had a story to tell if you had time to listen and a cool drink or an apple to give you before you left He loved his precious cats (including all stray ones) good gospel music, old western movies, planting a garden, spinning tales with friends and family, and his wife of 65 years who never was far from his side. Married on July 6th, 1946, he leaves to cherish many memories his wife, Edith Henline Miles, who saw to his every need. She spoiled him daily and was his whole life, as he was hers. They never had children of their own but became like parents to his sister’s children who survive him: Eugene (Linda) Branum of Estill Springs, TN; Martha (Charles) Huggins of Cordova, TN; Dorothy Sealy of Hot Springs, AR; Vivian (Arnis) Hickman; Barbara (Ray) Bailey; Arnold (Wanda) Branum; Faye (Jack) Williams; and Zola (Ronnie) Brandon all of Malvern, AR; along with many, many great-nieces and nephews. Funeral arrangements are by Kyker Funeral Home in Kingston, TN. Visitation will be from 5:30-7:00pm Thursday, February 2nd with funeral services immediately afterwards. Private burial on Friday, February 3rd at Kingston Bethel Cemetery.