Warren Anthony Miles Jr "Speedy"'s Obituary
On September 16, 2020, Warren Anthony Miles Jr. (Speedy), amazing father of Eric Miles Sr. and his wife Jennifer Miles, incredible grandfather of EJ Miles and Avalynn Moyer, the most loving brother to Jeanne Bell, husband to the late Kathleen Miles, and son of the late Warren Miles Sr. and Dorothy Miles.
If you would ask anyone that knew Speedy about the type of man he was, you wouldn’t get any negative responses. Instead, you would be told he was such a loving man, the best neighbor, the best guy in the world, etc. Speedy had a way of making everyone he came into contact with feel loved and accepted. He hugged instead of shaking hands, he helped without wanting help in return, and most of all, he always tried to love you more than you loved him.
Speedy grew up in Locust Point, and was proud to tell people that. He was still close with his childhood friends. He served in the United States Army, and then started his career and retired as a Longshoreman for the ILA. He was co owner of the former bar Barbara Ann’s on Light Street, and did carpentry work on the side. He was the Jack of all trades with a heart of gold.
Speedy and his son Eric were best friends. During Eric’s childhood, Speedy took Eric to every hockey practice, baseball practice, and became family with all of the parents of the team. He always hosted sleepovers for Eric and his friends and cousins. He made them so fun, that his son and his friends still talk and laugh about them to this day. He even built a big tree house for his son and friends to play in. They always went to Patapsco State Park to their favorite spot, and tried to catch Crayfish and minnows along the stream. When the time came for his son to be married, Eric chose Speedy to be his best man. Up until he went to the hospital before his passing, Eric still went to Speedy’s house to have lunch with him every work day. He was the BEST father to his son. He was his “main man”.
Speedy and his sister Jeanne were inseparable. As each other’s only sibling, they were best friends from the start. As children, they would always play pranks and blamed one another to avoid getting in trouble. They had so much fun together and always protected each other. He lived right next door to Jeanne for many years so they spent a lot of their time together. They always helped each other, went to his son’s house together, and held up all family traditions. They hosted Thanksgiving and Christmas for his son and his son’s family every year. They always kept each other company, and looked after one another. They seriously were the best of friends, and constantly said the words “I love you”. He was more than honored to have the best sister by his side, and loved her with all of his heart.
His life changed for the better when his son got married and blessed him with grandchildren. Speedy loved his son’s wife Jen so much, and always told her she was the “best mom in the world.” They had an instant connection. He made sure she knew how much she was loved with tons of warm hugs, Speedy sandwiches, and memories that will last a lifetime. Ava was just 8 when she came into his life. He didn’t hesitate to treat her like a granddaughter since day 1, and made it a point to make her feel so special every time they visited. When EJ was born, Speedy’s soul lit up. He finally had a little boy to re-live everything he did with his son. They loved getting on all fours, crawling around and playing with Tonka trucks and Eric’s childhood toys. They FaceTimed every weekday during Eric’s lunch break, and it was something he looked forward to every day. He was an amazing PopPop, and loved being one too.
He loved working for the ILA. He was basically family to all of his co workers and loved each and every one of them. He also enjoyed living on Decatur Street, and loved all of his neighbors. His entire family and all of his friends held a special place in his heart and he made sure they knew it.
Speedy’s wishes were not to have a service, but to be cremated and to have a party to celebrate his life. He wanted everyone to laugh, smile and have fun in memory of him. The date has yet to be determined due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Once plans are made, they will be posted on his family’s Facebook pages.
And as Speedy would say, “make somebody smile”.
What’s your fondest memory of Warren?
What’s a lesson you learned from Warren?
Share a story where Warren's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Warren you’ll never forget.
How did Warren make you smile?