Deacon Joseph Columbus Weldon Myles, 63, slipped quietly away Monday, March 18, 2024, at the Aspire Rehabilitation Center, Jacksonville, FL.
He was born on February 4, 1961, in Pierce County to the late Professor Walter Sr. and Earnestine Myles. He was the sixth of eight children including three brothers, Walter Jr. (who preceded him death) Frank and Willie and five sisters, Joyce, Jackie, Roberta, Ardrelle and Dorothy.
Deacon Myles attended elementary and high school in Pierce County and received his GED from the Waycross-Ware Technical School in Waycross. After graduation, he enrolled in the early childhood development program at the Waycross-Ware Technical School where he graduated and received a diploma in early childhood development.
He accepted Christ at an early age. He joined Piney Grove Free Will Baptist Church of Blackshear as a youth and later was ordained deacon at the Travelers Rest Free Will Baptist Church, Folkston, under the leadership of Moderator W. J. Jones. Known for his character and vibrant spirit, he was anointed to sing. He traveled from towns, cities, and country-sides touching hearts with his old soulful singing. From hymns to quartet his passion for God always shined bright. He was a member of the Voice of Wayne Male Chorus of Jesup and the Pierce County Male Chorus of Blackshear. Every year he enjoyed traveling to Free Will Conference (South West, Southern Union, Spring Creek, Mount Hosea and Georgia Eastern) where he served in all positions. As a young lad, he wanted to share his love of God with everyone. He started his own church High Fellow Mate Free Will Baptist Church. The name came from the church being high off the ground, Free to the fellow man and full of fire with a welcome mat at the door. His congregation consisted of family members, friends and farm animals.
Although he never reared any biological children, he claimed one nephew as his own son, Caleb Myles, known as “Aljereen my brown eye baby boy.” He also assisted in raising all his nieces, nephews, and any children including animals who needed love. He was a dynamic, energetic and spiritual person who would help anyone whether disabled, widowed, lonely or just needed assistance or a smile. He touched so many hearts. He also had a passion for flowers and landscaping. He loved beautifying God’s land with vibrant pops of colors in all types of flowers and trees. His love jolted him into his very own business, My My Joe Hook Up Lawn Service. He could be heard throughout the land: “Hook Up! Holler if you need me.” He was called many affectionate names: Reverend Joe Celphus, My My Joe, The Hook Up and most importantly Deacon Joseph Myles. He was full of energy and life. His memory will continue to live on.
He leaves to cherish his memories five sisters, Elder Joyce Moore and Elder Jacqueline Wallace, both of Blackshear, Minister Roberta (Larry) Sholston, Missionary Ardrelle (Herman) Myles Sutton, Douglas and Dorothy Stanley, Tifton; two brothers, Bishop Frank Myles, Blackshear and Willie Myles, Snellville; one uncle, Bishop Elroy Lewis, Chapel Hill, NC; two aunts, Vernette Lewis, Columbia, OH and Johana Carter, High Point, NC; a special nephew, Caleb Myles; nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, great-grand nieces, great-grand nephews, cousins, friends and conference family. Please keep the family in prayer during this difficult time.
Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 28, at the Piney Grove Free Will Baptist Church, 2808 Piney Grove Church Road, Blackshear.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 29, from the Piney Grove Freewill Baptist Church.
Interment will follow in the Nunn Cemetery, Bob Bowen Road, Blackshear.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.flukerfuneralhome.com.
Services of care and comfort entrusted to the caring professionals of Fluker Funeral Home, 985 Ossie Davis Parkway, Waycross.
