Franklin Delano Miles

Franklin Delano Miles, age 92, of Jacksonville, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife and children. Born in October of 1933 in East Gadsden, Alabama, Frank was the seventh son born on the seventh day. He was the youngest child of Mimengar and Dollie Miles. Born and raised in East Gadsden, he graduated from Glencoe High School in 1952, where he met the love of his life, Barbara Saxon Miles. After high school, Frank moved to Heflin, Alabama, to begin his automobile career. Over the next several years, he worked in Heflin, Anniston, AL, and Macon, GA, before opening his own business, Frank Miles Auto Sales, in 1975. Known for his charming smile, leadership, and sense of integrity, he earned the respect and admiration of customers and friends alike. He took great pride in serving many years as an active member, and later President, of the Alabama Independent Automobile Dealers Association. Outside of work, Frank was a lifelong sports fan but especially loved Major League Baseball. Over the years, he traveled to every MLB park in the United States, even leading tours for other baseball fans. He loved to lead those fellow fans in song during the Seventh Inning Stretch with his rich booming voice. Frank was blessed with a lovely bass singing voice and was a great lover of music. He served his community and his Savior as Minister of Music at many area churches, and spent a long tenure in that role at Gladeview Baptist Church in Anniston, Alabama. Many will remember his powerful Sunday morning solos and singing with him in the church choir. He loved spending time with his beloved wife Barbara of 73 years. Their home was the center for family holidays and traditions, filled with laughter, warmth, and love. He took immense pride in his family-his children Robin and Del were the light of his life. He could often be found with a Tootsie Roll secreted away in his pocket or playing dominoes up at E.L. Green's General Store. He is survived by his devoted wife Barbara Miles of Jacksonville, AL, daughter Robin Miles Thompson Yarbrough (Jerry) and son Franklin Delano "Del" Miles II (Brooklyn), both of Jacksonville, AL, granddaughters Callie Miles Thompson Wells (Chad) of Lincoln, AL, and Jillian Miles Massey (Brian) of Huntsville, AL, grandson Alex Houston of Jacksonville, FL, and great-granddaughters Roxie and Everly Wells of Lincoln, AL, as well as a host of much-loved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and nine brothers and sisters: Gladys King, Cleo Miles, John Miles, Waco Miles, Avis Vice, Searcy Miles, Loven Wagnon, Buster Miles, and J.P. Miles. A celebration of Frank's life will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at First Baptist Williams in Jacksonville, with pastor Ryan Linkous officiating. Visitation will be at noon with service to follow at 1:00. Pallbearers will be Alex Houston, David Marker, Brian Massey, Jay Miles, Harold Weaver, and Chad Wells. Honorary pallbearers will be Edwin Miles, Christoper Williams, and Raymond Woodruff. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First Baptist Williams, where Frank and Barbara were members, in his memory. Frank will be remembered for his faith, larger-than-life personality, and deep love for his family. He left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him, and his legacy will live on through the stories, laughter, and love shared by all.