Rev. John Covington Miles, beloved minister, devoted husband, cherished father, and grandfather, went to be with the Lord on March 10, 2026, at the age of 85. Born on October 2, 1940, in Lake City, S.C., he was the son of the late John C. Miles Sr. and Hannah Lynch Miles. John’s life was a testament to resilience and faith, shaped by his early years as one of seven siblings following the loss of his father at a young age. From paper routes to farming tobacco, he learned the value of hard work and responsibility, becoming the man of the household in his formative years.
In 1958, John proudly served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Korea, where he not only experienced the rigors of military life but also formed lasting friendships, playing catcher on the softball team. His journey of faith began upon his return home, when he found salvation at a Friday night revival in January 1963 and delivered his first sermon that fall. Two weeks after meeting Judy Whitaker at church, he knew she was his forever love, and they married on December 18, 1964. Together, they passionately served congregations across North Carolina for over 40 years, touching countless lives with their loving ministry.
John’s calling extended beyond the pulpit; he spent 16 years at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home in Mooresville, offering compassion and support as both a funeral assistant and in-house clergy. Throughout his 62 years of preaching, he remained a beacon of hope and strength to all who knew him.
John was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Judy, as well as his brother Billy and sister Betty Faye. He is survived by his daughter, Benita L. Garris (Tim) of Shelby; granddaughter, Hannah E. Bodman (Chris) of Locust, N.C.; siblings, Mary James of Lake City, Shirley Browder of Myrtle Beach, Russell Miles (Sylvia) of Lake City, and Wanda Deans (Ken) of Florence; special sisters-in-law, Nedra Newton, Myra Riffle and Pat Fox; and a number of extended family members.
The family will welcome friends for a time of fellowship and remembrance from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, March 13, prior to the service at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home.
In remembrance of a life devoted to service and love, funeral services for Rev. Miles will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 13, at the Heritage House at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home in Mooresville. Following the service, John will be laid to rest at Iredell Memorial Park in Statesville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity that reflects John’s enduring commitment to helping others: the Church of God Children’s Home, 3485 Weatherby Circle, Concord, NC 28027.
The family invites all who knew him to celebrate his remarkable life, and condolences may be shared at www.cavin-cook.com. Rev. Miles will be remembered as a man of faith, a loving family man, and a steadfast servant of God, whose legacy will continue to inspire all who follow in his footsteps.
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville, is serving the family.