Walt Miles passed away in his home following a battle with cancer and heart failure on January 20, 2014. A Celebration of life service will be on his birthday, February 15, at Fairfield Glade Community Church. He will be in-urned in the Columbarium.
Walter Allen Miles was born on February 15, 1938 in Grove City, PA. He and his brother, Larry, were the first twin boys born in Bashline and Rossman Hospital to Kenneth and Elzada (Powers) Miles. They lived in Grove City, Turtle Creek, and Trafford, PA.
Walt was active in the Methodist choir and sang at many functions while in high school. He said he caddied to buy clothes and sang for his supper.
He was dyslexic and had a hard time learning to read. Hazel Shenefelt tutored him, and he went on to graduate from Wilkinsburg High School, Paul Smith’s College in upstate New York, and attended Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh, PA.
Walt worked for Sheraton Hotels, Campbell’s, John Sexton, Continental Food Service, Seaway in Cleveland, and was Director of National Accounts for Sysco FS of Cleveland.
Walt met Barbara in Minn. in 1980. They married on Valentine’s Day in 1981. They lived in Minn., Miss., Virginia, Ohio, and Tennessee. They retired in TN in 2000 (Finally!!!). He always seemed to have a part-time job and volunteered at the Palace Theater where he was a familiar face in the concession stand.
Outdoor sports were a passion for Walt. He played tennis, softball, volleyball, and his first love – golf! He played with the Slicers, a few years with East TN Seniors, and in the Monday nine-hole league until his heart became too weak to negotiate the courses.
Walt and Barbara loved to travel. They visited 46 states, the National Parks in the Southwest, Hawaii many times, Australia, New Zealand, and had a fondness for the Atlantic beach resorts.
Walt was loyal to his friends, church, and community. He was active in the FFG Community Church where he served on several committees, sang in the choir, and served on the Board. He loved living in TN and Fairfield Glade and enjoyed the activities available.
The past year Walt fought a valiant fight against cancer and the damage done by radiation. He had another heart attack in September and was limited in his activities after that. Walt passed away at home with his wife and friends at his side. Hospice of Cumberland County had provided care during the last months of his life.
Walt was preceded in death by his parents and twin brother. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, of Fairfield Glade,TN, children – Vincent (Carin) Onstott of Eastpointe, MI. Beth Ann Mochrie, Scott Miles, grandchildren – Jake, Madison, and Vinnie Onstott, and niece Christine Castillo.
Faithful friends report that he was a Gentle man, except on the golf course. He loved a good story and could mess up the punch line with the best of them.
Donations requested to Hospice of Cumberland County or Fairfield Glade Community Church in lieu of flowers.