Obituary of Floyd Nathaniel Miles

His Life & Legacy Son* Father* Grandfather* Brother* Uncle* Nephew* Cousin* Friend Floyd Nathaniel Miles, 73, of Cartersville, formerly of Powhatan, gained his wings July 1, 2021, after a fierce battle against illness. He loved life and fought to be here with his children, family, and many friends. His daughter Cristal lovingly tended to his every need without fail and she encouraged him daily. Daughter Charlene consulted regularly with his care team, lending her nursing expertise. His sister Angie took the lead as liaison among siblings, children, and medical experts. She devoted hours by his bedside, even overnight, when necessary, while studying medical charts and researching alternative solutions to any negative prognosis. His sister Vita was his bedside prayer warrior who also kept vigil, and his sister Joyce lovingly visited and took his favorite foods to him. His sister Marlene drove the longest distance to comfort and pray with him. We all played a part, and each fought to keep Floyd here with us. But God wanted him more. Preceded in death by parents, Floyd Aubrey and Hortense Jones Miles, he is survived by cherished daughters, Cristal Grubbs (Kenton), Charlene, and Chartrice Miles; beloved grandchildren, Christian and Nicholas Grubbs and Nya Miles, Josiah Turner-Miles and Moriah Turner; and nine close-knit siblings and their children, Reginald (Craig and William), Lynwood (Carol, Allison and Lynwood Jr.), Joyce Miles (Mia and April), Linda Ballard (Danielle and Janelle), Doretha Harris (Ashley), Dr. E. Marlene Miles, Angela King (husband Bradford and sons Miles, Gabriel, Ethan and Anson), Vita Nash (Jamie and Amanda), and Julie Miles (Arielle and Jordan). He had a special bond with Julie, as they shared the same month and day of birth. They understood each other almost like twins, though separated by many years. Floyd is also survived by his loving aunt, Mary Jones, with whom he spoke daily, and special uncle, Andrew Miles. Floyd Miles knew God's word. He accepted Christ at an early age and was vocal about his love for the Lord. One of his favorite scriptures was "Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee." Exodus 20:12. He had a sharp mind and an astonishing memory of scripture but also of lessons learned throughout his too short lifespan. He knew complete sermons as well as extended quotes from Dr. Martin Luther King's speeches. He could recite favorite poems by Longfellow, Emerson and many more; he shared quotes, poetry and prose learned from his mother as early as childhood. He loved his music—gospel greats but also oldies from artists like Al Green, Otis Redding and Sam and Dave, and was at his best when socializing, singing, laughing, and living his life to the fullest. He had a generous heart and was a friend to many. He loved sharing time with his many friends and with his entire family while sharing a repository of funny stories and happy family memories. As children, his sister Joyce could not pronounce "brother", so he became Bruss, and was affectionally called Bruss or Uncle Bruss or Cousin Bruss by family. Bruss enjoyed life. During his school years, he excelled in sports and played basketball and baseball. Bruss liked tinkering with things, was fond of cars and sometimes had as many as four. Throughout his life, he enjoyed gardening, fishing, and hunting and would share the fruits of his labor with many and sold produce to local grocery stores. Bruss worked hard throughout his life and gave his time freely, including cutting grass, providing haircuts, and babysitting his grands. He would call or visit family to be sure all was well. He was always thinking of others and was overly generous with his many deeds, gifts, and thoughtfulness. Bruss Miles will be missed by all who are grateful to have known and loved him. We are enriched because he lived. Our loved one has gone to join relatives and some he missed daily: parents Floyd and Hortense Miles ; uncles Wilson (Bessie), Linwood (Catherine), William and Ernest Miles, and Otis Jones; aunts, Lena (Edgar), Morris and Sadie Robinson; sister-in-law, Alice Miles; brother-in-law, James Ballard; great-niece, Tayten Ballard-Towns; cousins, Carrie (Silas) Smith, Ruth (Velon) Bell, Arthur (Geraldine) and George (Julia) Morris, Dorothy Sims, Bessie Lee Chapman, Eva Powell, Eddie Daniels, Henry Johnson, Larry Jones, Cleo (Lawson) Hepburn, Laura Pressey, Bryant Daniels, Carolyn Nelson and Lisa Lawson; grandparents Mary Page and William Miles and Nathan "for whom he was named " and Ethel Jones. He is now present with the Lord, who knows and loves him best. It is a day of rejoicing! "Brother" By: Julie O. Miles At first glance, opinions often made, Homage given to the elders you always prayed. Summers spent fertilizing ground where great men stood and toiled, Protector of parents by a son so loyal. So often you cried tears for the elders who migrated first to the great beyond, No separation or death could break these unspoken bonds. Reciting words of wisdom from the old too young. A gifted man of great proportions and perhaps unsung. Preparations made in advance are the countless seeds, Cultivating flower blossoms in the midst of weeds. A man's voice may turn to a whisper but never his deeds, We will rejoice once again when the time comes to follow your lead. You ran your race and fought battles unknown to some, Never once forgetting from whom or whence you'd come. Let me share your story brother for those who never knew, God blessed so many when he crafted the gift called you. Be sure to greet our parents, aunts, uncles, family, and friends, We won't hear your earthly voice in the morning, but this is not the end. Calling names like Hortense, Floyd, Otis, Edgar, Lena Bessie, & Will. There are shoes in your closet that no other soul can fill. Sending love to Irene, Dorothy, two Williams, Mary, Ernest, Catherine, and Lin I know Jim, Julia, Ruth, Larry and Bryant are happy to see you again. Please behave yourself in heaven and never forget your twin here on earth, Who will love you forever and who is connected by birth.