Joseph Lee Miles

Joey, born on November 12, 1943, in Macon, Georgia, was the son of the late David Miles and Alline Weinberg Miles Cohen. Raised by his single mother, Alline, who always went above and beyond to provide everything he needed, Joey’s character was shaped by her love and resilience. He graduated from Lanier High School in Georgia and then embarked on a significant journey with Fort Bragg, NC’s 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army. This period left an indelible mark on his life.

After completing his military service, Joey spent most of his career in retail, notably leading the Wilmington area children’s shoe store founded by his father-in-law, Harold May, May’s Shoe Store. Known throughout the Wilmington area as Mr. Joey, he did not meet a stranger. He loved giving back his time and resources to several organizations– the Salvation Army of Wilmington, the Easter Seal Society of Southeastern NC, and the Orthopedic Clinic at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Joey loved serving on the annual North Carolina Azalea Festival Committee and being a member of the Wilmington Rotary Club. When not in the shoe store, he could be found with his toes in the sand at his beloved second home, the Hanover Seaside Club in Wrightsville Beach.

Joey’s legacy extends beyond his professional and community achievements. He was a loving husband to Patricia “Patsy” May Miles of Holly Springs and a devoted father to his three sons, Mitch Miles (Betsy) of Greensboro, NC; Howard Miles (Kathy) of Apex, NC; and Scott Miles (Ashley) of Matthews, NC. His seven grandchildren, Abigail (22), Jake (20), Emma (18), Tyler (16), Harper (10), Hunter (7), and Avery (6), held a special place in his heart, and he was affectionately known to them as their “Poppie.” Joey loved his dogs and leaves behind his “partners in crime,” Mollie and Maggie.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 19, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Hanover Seaside Club in Wrightsville Beach.

In remembrance of Joey’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made “In Memory of Joseph “Mr. Joey” Miles to Hope Abounds Cancer Network of Wilmington, NC - www.hopeabounds.org/donate-code - Select Fund - "Joey Miles Memorial Donation"

Memories, stories, and expressions of sympathy can be shared below in “Add a Memory” for the Miles family.