Eddie Miles, 83, of Sims, IL passed away at 5:30 PM on Thursday, August 5th at the Walnut Creek Alzheimer’s Special Care Center in Evansville, IN. Eddie was born November 26, 1937 in Arrington Township in Wayne County, IL to Maurice and Myrtle (O’Malley) Miles. Eddie served six years with the US Army Reserve exiting in 1965 as Staff Sergeant. On May 5th he was married 64 years to the love of his life, Audrey Jean Ferguson.
Eddie was a self-employed grain farmer farming over 1100 acres. He had high expectations on how things should be done and instilled a strong work ethic in all of his family. The church and Southern Gospel music were a big part of who he was. Growing up he was a member of Star General Baptist Church, then Arrington Prairie “Bailey” General Baptist Church and in 2000 joined the Wayne City Baptist Church. As a teenager, he began singing bass with the Miles Quartet which included his father and two uncles (Lester and Kenneth Miles) accompanied by his mother playing piano. He was a song leader at Bailey Church, sang with a gospel trio, performed many church choir specials as well as solos at nursing homes. Music continued to be special to him and was a comfort through the end of his life. While his world revolved around his family, the center of that world was his wife. They were an example to their family of what a strong marriage should be. He referred to Audrey as his lovely wife or sweetie when greeting her or introducing her. He always remembered special days with gifts and was always thinking ahead to take care of her.
Eddie was the center of his family’s life and is survived by daughters, Christina (Marty) Campbell of Sims, IL, & Karen (Brent) Sutton of Fairfield, IL. He spoiled four grandchildren, Kyle (Jill) Campbell of Evansville, IN, Megan (Connor) James of Noblesville, IN and Colbie & Cori Sutton of Fairfield, IL. He burst with pride & joy over his three great grandchildren, Clyde, Harvey and Annie Campbell of Evansville, IN. Eddie is also survived by a sister, Phyllis (Jim) Miller of Sesser, IL and special friends Gary Harrell and Kevin Schroeder of Harrell Farms.
At the end of his life Eddie and his family were lovingly cared for by several special people. The family’s heartfelt appreciation goes to Tracey Kocher, Christy Davis, Debbie Crawley, Dennis Wolfe and Jessica Jenkins.
Funeral services for Eddie Miles will be at 3PM on Tuesday, August 10th at Wayne City Baptist Church in Wayne City, IL with burial in the Thomason Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1PM until the time of service at the church. Current CDC guidelines recommends that everyone, including fully vaccinated individuals, wear a mask in indoor settings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Eddie’s honor may be made to the Wayne City Baptist Church or Thomason Cemetery. They will be accepted at the church or at Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home in Fairfield which is in charge of the arrangements.