Mr. Jerry Brooks Miles, 85, of Lancaster passed away Monday, June 22, 2026, at White Oak Manor on his 85th birthday. He was born June 22, 1941, in Mount Croghan, SC, the youngest of Walker and Nettie Mae Miles’ thirteen children. A veteran, Jerry honorably served his country in the United States Army.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Sieglinde (Linda) Miles; his two sons, Michael Miles (Alan Cline) and Richard Miles (Tammy Harris Miles); three grandchildren, Julia Miles, Heather Miles, and Brandon Miles (Kelley Masche Miles); and three great-grandchildren, Ellison Miles, Austin Miles, and Sullivan Miles. To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was affectionately known as “Opa”-a title he wore with immense joy.
Jerry truly loved people and never met a stranger; he was a man you could always find in the center of a warm conversation or sharing a hearty laugh. He channeled his passion for helping others into his business, founding the Miles Insurance Agency in 1977. For over thirty years, until his retirement in 2009, he took great pride in protecting and guiding his neighbors through life’s uncertainties. Some of Jerry’s happiest moments were spent catching up on the morning newspaper, flipping through a travel magazine to plan his next adventure, or feeling the wind on his face while boating surrounded by his family. His presence left a warmth in every room he entered.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Lancaster, followed immediately by a service to honor Jerry’s life with Pastor Randall Hatcher officiating. Burial will be at the Crossroads Baptist Church Cemetery in Mount Croghan, SC.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (140 Stoneridge Dr, Suite 640, Columbia, SC 29210; (803) 791-3430).
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