Clay E. Miles

Claiborne E. Miles went to Heaven on Sunday, December 28, 2025, from a room in the ICU at a local hospital. Claiborne was 95 years old and a resident of Gulfport, Mississippi, and a member of First Baptist Church of Gulfport. Clay was the longest-serving Gideon in the state of Mississippi at the time of his demise.

Claiborne obtained a Bachelor’s Degree from Delta State University in 1950 and a Master’s Degree in Administration from the University of Mississippi in 1954. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1956. Following his military service, he established the Clay Miles Insurance Agency, received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and became a life member of the Million Dollar Round Table. He also served his community as a member of the Gulfport School Board.

A man of deep faith, Claiborne became a member of First Baptist Church of Gulfport in 1954, where he was a retired deacon. Together with his wife, they both taught Bible Classes and she directed the Medical Clinic as a nurse, while he served as a Spiritual Counselor at the Gulf Coast Community Ministries.

Claiborne became a Gideon in 1962 and was active in the distribution of Gideon New Testaments. Claiborne once said, “Thank God for giving me the opportunity to serve Him.” In that spirit, he authored a book published by Xulon Press explaining the Book of Revelation, written to help readers better understand what many consider the most difficult book of the New Testament. His desire was that all who read it would come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. He dedicated the book to his mother, Martha Smith Miles of Bruce, Mississippi, crediting her example of unmerited love and grace as a reflection of his Lord.

Claiborne was born June 6, 1930, to Martha Smith Miles and George Clifton Miles, Sr. He was the youngest of six brothers: Arles M. Miles, George Oliver Miles, Charlie Edgar Miles, George Clifton Miles, Jr., and Robert Leslie Miles.

Claiborne leaves behind his wife, Jeanne Hood Miles; stepson, Jeffrey Hood (Susan) and step grand-children, Nolen Hood, and Carley Hall (Bryan); stepson, Bradley Hood (Angie) and step grand-children, Jake Hood (Natalie), and Shelby Hood; daughter, Beth Miles White (Tony) and granddaughter, Alex White; stepson, Dr. Joe Truhett (Joni) and step-grandchildren, Thomas Truhett (Jennie), Jill Truhett Measells (Marc), Rachel Truhett Downey (Jeremy) and Marcus Truhett (Bethany); step great-grandchildren, Jane, Wells, Riley, Griffin and Dorothy Jo; sister-in-law, Sue Miles and nephew, Dr. Les Miles (Anita), and great nieces and nephew, Piper, Annie, and Rob; nephew, Brian Miles (Julie) and great niece, Laura; and other loving family members and friends.

Friends are invited to join the family for visitation and services on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Gulfport (12190 MS-605, Gulfport, MS 39503). Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., with the Celebration of Life Service at 10:30 a.m. Clay will be laid to rest with military honors at Biloxi National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Lucky Langston, Greg Cullom, Cecil Gartman, Bard Yocom, Dan Hull, and Doug Bradford.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family. Please sign the online guestbook and share memories and photos at www.riemannfamily.com