Edgar Allen Miles

Edgar Allen Miles was born on July 6, 1936, in Hearne, Texas, to John Henry Miles, Sr., and Millie Ann Love Miles. He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Saint Emanuel Missionary Baptist Church. He developed a foundation of faith that guided him throughout his life. He later served as a lifelong member of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Amarillo, Texas.

Education was important to Edgar. He graduated from Blackshear High School, Class of 1954, then attended Prairie View Agricultural & Mechanical College of Texas, now known as Prairie View A&M University. Edgar married his college sweetheart, Annie Lois Mallory, and cherished her for more than 60 years. Their union was blessed with two sons, Edwin and Byron. Edgar’s love for family was well known and shown through his great sacrifices for his beautiful grandchildren and great-grandchild. Edgar succeeded in forging a path to ensure a better life for them.

His work ethic was evident across various aspects of the business. During his youth, he picked cotton and hauled hay and later worked in his family’s business, Miles’ Cleaners and Tailor Shop. Edgar left what he called “God's Country” to join his aunt, Carrie Miles Smiley, and his sister, Jewel Miles Brown, in Amarillo, Texas. Edgar first worked as a bricklayer before being chosen by the NAACP Amarillo Branch to integrate the Pantex Plant. Edgar climbed the ranks to lead the Protective Force division at Mason & Hanger, where he was fondly known as “Captain Miles.” He was deputized as a sheriff of Carson County and later retired after 30-plus years of dedicated service to the nation’s mission.

Edgar started E. A. Miles Construction alongside his wife, Ann, in Amarillo, Texas. Together, they provided affordable housing and developed areas in North Amarillo, including North Heights, Hamlet, San Jacinto, and Eastridge. He later established Mitay, Inc., with his sister, Iola Taylor, continuing his commitment to the community. In the community, he was fondly known as “Mr. Miles” by many families.

Beyond his business and professional accomplishments, Edgar dedicated countless hours to improving the quality of life for Amarillo residents, particularly in the North Heights community. Through advocacy and leadership, he worked to pave neighborhood streets, secure direct postal delivery service to homes, and bring a YMCA facility to North Amarillo. With the help of family and friends, he established the Golden Spread Informer, a newspaper dedicated to informing and connecting the Black community. His commitment to youth development was equally evident in his founding of Cub Scout Pack 191. He also made great efforts in his hometown and was given the Key to the City during his 75th birthday celebration in Hearne, Texas.

Edgar deeply enjoyed connecting with loved ones at holidays and family reunions. If you ever had the opportunity to sit with Edgar, you would remember his love for sharing a story, some wisdom, and a laugh. He was known for his dependability, generosity, and steadfast devotion to those he loved. Edgar made people feel valued and respected. His presence brought comfort, stability, and reassurance to family, friends, and neighbors alike.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his siblings, John H. Miles, Jr. (Cora); Iola L. Taylor (Edward); Jewell M. Brown (Daniel); Thelma J. Beasley (Willie); Elijah W. Miles (Francis); Charles M. Miles (Winona). Edgar leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Annie Lois Miles; his sons, Edwin K. Miles (Paula), and Byron W. Miles (Vanessa); his sister, Ella L. Lindsey (Lawrence); his grandchildren, Patrick I. Miles, Veronica C. Shropshire (Jeremey), Victoria C. Miles, Alexandra L. Miles Drake (Gregory), and Valarie C. Campbell (Jonathan); and his great-grandson, Jameson I. Miles. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, former colleagues, and community members. His legacy has touched the hearts of all those who knew and loved him and stands as a testament to faith, perseverance, and service.

Please sign the Online Guest Book, and view Mr. Edgar Allen Miles’ obituary at www.warfordmortuary.com.