Wayne Miller Iles, 85, Orange

Wayne Miller Iles was called to his heavenly home June 1, 2020, after a long-fought battle with multiple myeloma. His faith became sight and he has become whole in His presence.

Wayne loved life and enjoyed sharing many happy times with his wife of 51 years, Joye Barron Iles, and his 4 beloved children, Michael Wayne Iles of Orange, Pamela Ann Cox and husband Dr. David Cox of College Station, Jonathan Mark Iles and wife Teresa of Orange, and Brad Barron Iles and wife Angie Beth of Dallas. He leaves behind his 8 precious grandchildren who loved and adored him: Lawson and Lauren Cox, Daniel and Julia Iles, and Olivia, Henry, Audrey, and Allie Iles.

He was preceded in death by his father, Daniel Dempsey Iles, mother, Lydia Miller Iles, and brother, Clyde Byron Iles, along with first wife, Gwendolyn Hebert Iles.

Wayne was very proud of his Miller and Iles "roots" and enjoyed talking about his ancestry to anyone who would listen. Many family stories were told over and over, bringing many laughs and groans, all at the same time.

Wayne retired from DuPont after 38 years of service. Following that he worked with Anderson Consulting for three years and Accenture for one year, finally retiring for good in 2001. He proudly served in the U.S. Army which included a station at Redstone Arsenal during the time the United States launched the first satellite into space.

His love for the game of basketball continued throughout his life and he passed that enjoyment down to each of his children. Playing basketball in the driveway was an everyday occurrence, which brought many whoops and hollers, to be heard blocks away.

Wayne liked to travel and each summer brought a well-planned trip to an exciting destination. His absolute favorite place to visit was always Estes Park. He was well content sitting by the side of Fall River listening to the water rushing by and watching as deer and elk would sometimes amble by. He shared this spot with not only his immediate family but also extended family and friends.

Wayne loved the Lord and shared many times how the Lord led him through some very hard times in his life. He was thrilled when each of his children accepted Jesus as their Savior. Wayne was a member of North Orange Baptist Church, where he served faithfully in various capacities for over 50 years. He lived his faith and was always willing to be the hands and feet of Jesus every day of his life. Wayne saw value in every individual and, in humility, he gave generously to anyone in need.

We count it an honor to have shared life with him and to celebrate his legacy in the days ahead. Thank you for your prayers. They have truly carried us. We have felt surrounded by God on every side.

The family wishes to express our dearest appreciation to Velma Hopkins, Veronica Guillory, Southeast Texas Hospice, and the staff at Montebello Home Care for their compassion and care for Wayne over these last few months.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, June 5, 2020, at North Orange Baptist Church in Orange, Texas. A graveside service and burial will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 6, 2020 at Spearsville Cemetery in Spearsville, Louisiana. Social distancing practices will be observed.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be the Adult 6 Men's Life Group Class from North Orange Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the North Orange Baptist Church Benevolent Fund at 4755 N. 16th St., Orange, Texas 77632.