Mr. Ernest Allen Miles, affectionately known as "TUMP or TUMP MAN", was born to Joseph and Mary Taylor Miles on October 31, 1920 in Walkertown, NC. He was the youngest of 12 children. Mr. Miles departed this life on Sunday, June 3, 2007. He attended Walkertown Elementary and Carver High School. His first employment was with the Poindexter and Hanes families. He remained in their employ until being inducted into the United States Army in 1943, moving up to Corporal rank while serving in World War II. During his military service, Ernest met the love of his life, Itasca Johnson and they married in 1946.

Mr. Miles completed training in Brick Masonry and also Radio/TV Repair at Dellwatt School while resuming employment with the Hanes and Poindexter families. He later worked for the R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company retiring after 30 years of service in 1983. He continued to work for Mr. Will Hanes until 1986. He was a member of Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

Ernest leaves a legacy of unconditional love for family and a bond that can never be broken. He enriched the lives of loved ones and others with his words of wisdom, humor, tremendous strength and generous spirit.

Mr. Miles was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Reva Miles; a son, Baby Boy Miles; and 12 brothers and sisters.

He leaves to cherish and revere his memories his devoted and faithful wife of 61 years, Itasca; adoring and loving daughters, Jewel Etta Johnson and Ernestine M. Hairston; adoring and loving son, Jerrold A. (Naomi) Miles; six grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; one sister, Mollie M. Harris; sisters-in-law, Pearline Miles and Reva Johnson; sons-in-law, Eugene Hairston and Charles T. Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2007 at 2:00 PM from the Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 3978 Pinehall Road, Walkertown, NC 27051 with the Reverend I. L. Anthony officiating and Reverend Richard Lowery as Eulogist. Interment will follow in the Oak Grove Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 PM on Friday, June 8, 2007 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel.