Dr. David Neale Miles - Nashville, Tenn.

Dr. David Neale Miles, Sr., 77, of Nashville, Tenn., and a former longtime resident of Blytheville, died April 5, 2002, in Nashville following a short illness. He was born in Cairo, Ill., on Dec. 24, 1924, the only child of Jesse Minot Miles and Icy Maud Miles and spent his childhood in New Madrid and Hayti. After graduating from high school, he entered the Army during World War II and served in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., as a drill sergeant.

Dr. Miles married Doris Helen Creech on June 2, 1945, shortly after returning from his service in the Army. To this union was born four children, Sarah Elizabeth Miles Hughes of Union, Ky.; David Neale Miles, Jr. of Little Rock, Jesse Creech Miles of Atlanta, Ga., and Laurie Ann Miles Phillips of Nashville, Tenn.

Dr. Miles studied at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated with his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in June of 1952. Shortly afterward, the family moved to Blytheville and he opened Miles Animal Hospital on North Highway 61 which became a town fixture that would last for the next 50 years

Dr. Miles was an active member of many organizations and donated his time and talent for the good of his community. A member of the First United Methodist Church he taught Sunday School for many years. He was a Mason, active in the Masonic Lodge and achieved the rank of Knights Templar after many long years of service. The Blytheville Jaycees, the American Legion, the National rifle Association, and the Sons of the American Revolution all counted him among their ranks. Dr. Miles also served as the director of the Northeast Arkansas Fair Board and the founder of the Yarbro Water Association.

The funeral will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, at the First United Methodist Church in Blytheville. The family will receive visitors from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Cobb Funeral home.

The family requests anyone wishing to leave a lasting memorial consider the First United Methodist Church Good Samaritan Fund, 7th and Main Streets, Blytheville, Ark. 72315.