Gayland passed away on August 10, 2008, at East Texas Medical Center in Tyler. He was born on October 29, 1943, in Woodville, Texas, to the late Otha and Leah Belle Miles. Gayland graduated from Kirby High School in 1962, where he lettered four years for the Kirby High School Eagle football team. In August of 1962, he entered Trinity University, where he played football, joined ROTC, became a member of the Triniteers and received both a B.S. in Mathematics and Masters in Hospital Administration. During that time Gayland also played semi-pro football for the San Antonio Toros.
In 1967, he entered the United States Army and began a distinguished 25-year career of military service. During that time, Gayland served in numerous positions in the Medical Service Corps, which included DUSTOFF aviator, hospital administrator, company and battalion commander, and staff officer at the Army Surgeon General’s Office. Gayland achieved numerous awards and commendations during his service and retired at the rank of Colonel in 1994.
After retiring, Gayland worked for American Medical Response, Havenwood Caregivers and ETMC. At the time of his death Gayland was the Director of Operations and Regional Manager at East Texas Medical Center. He was a member of Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler and a former member of Walnut Ridge Baptist Church in Mansfield.
Gayland Miles is survived by a loving family including his wife of 33 years, Kathie Lawler Miles of Tyler; son, David Gayland Miles of Dallas; daughter, Lindsey Nicole Miles of Euless; sister, Lavelle Bush of Woodville; brother, Gary Miles of Tyler; two aunts, Eleanor Hurst of Austin and Maudis Miles of Jasper; two uncles, Cotton Miles and wife Lue of Wills Point, and David Wayne Miles and wife Ollie of New Mexico; and nephew, Troy Miles of Woodville.
He will be remembered by his family and friends for his enthusiasm for work, cheerful spirit with peers, accomplished leadership and commitment to being the best dad to his children and an excellent provider for his family who he loved so much. Memorials in honor of Otha Gayland Miles may be made to Green Acres Baptist Church Benevolent Fund, 1607 Troup Highway, Tyler, 75701. Pallbearers were Gary Miles, Charles Miles, Raymond Sheffield, Hank Blanks, Bob Gardner, Kyle Cooksy, Ron Shwartz, Stan Teiken, and Mike Proctor.
