Arnold E. Biles

When asked during his 13 month battle with Lung Cancer, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE FOR US TO SAY ABOUT YOU? Sonnyman said, WRITE WHAT YOU LIKE “KAY,” you’ll know what to say. I won’t be there! Early Good Friday Morning, April 6, 2012, ARNOLD ERWIN BILES, affectionately known as “SONNYMAN,” while asleep in the home he shared with his sister, Venia (Millsboro, DE), was carried away by the Angels to be with the Lord. Sonnyman was born November 21, 1961, in Baltimore, Maryland at the Franklin Square Hospital, to Roper and Betty Biles, who are both deceased. His brother Tony preceded him in death in 1985. He was educated in the Baltimore City School System and graduated from Baltimore City College High School in 1979. Sonnyman was one of the top Tennis Players and Wrestlers at City College. Upon graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps under the “Buddy System,” with his childhood friend Ronald Venable, who is the god-father to his children. Sonnyman served in the U.S. Marines, Infantry Division, traveling the world. After an Honorable Discharge, he was employed by General Electric for many years until its closing. He then made a career change and enrolled into the Sojourner Douglas College, Baltimore, MD were he studied as a Cable Installation Programs Major and received his certification in Underground Cable and Home Installations. Sonnyman was also skilled as a self taught landscaper. He enjoyed performing home improvement jobs, and was an auto mechanic. Sonnyman loved to bowl Duck Pins and Ten Pin Bowling. He was a lover of Chess, Tennis, and Wrestling. But most of all he was a lover of animals. Sonnyman loved dogs and was nicknamed, The Dog Whisperer. Stop laughing! The family can tell you some animal lover stories. And yes, let’s add Dancer to the list. If Sonnyman was invited to parties, weddings, baby showers, barbeques, cookouts….any event with music, he wouldn’t sit down until the lights came on! And then he would dance his way to the car. Sonnyman was a member of Ark Church under the leadership of Dr. J. L. Carter and became a faithful member of the Saturday Bible Study Class until he moved to Rehoboth, Delaware to seek better employment. Sonnyman leaves to cherish his memories two children, Kevin and Kelly; two grandchildren, Kyree and Solomon; sisters, Gale, Kay, Maxine, Janet, Stephanie, a devoted sister Venia, who took care of him until the end, and an ever so caring and devoted friend, Belinda Thornton. Sonnyman is also survived by his “BROTHER/COUSINS:” Judge, Stanley, Melvin, Vic, David, Antwan, Charles, Ronald, Maurice Sr., Alfred, Chuckie, Herman, Little Sandy, Brian, Barry, Bootnannie, Wow Wee, Tony, Frankie, Bob-2, Teddy, Thomas and Lando (deceased 2011). “SISTER/COUSINS:” Sarah, Missy, Merry C., Tee-Tee, Theressa, Sunday, Weedy, Donnie, Matta, Mott, Shirley, Gloria Jean, Dyane, Debbie, Danky, Tinka, Linda, Citi, Tarsha, Carolyn Kendall and Cousin Nellie. CAREGIVER: Behr, SPIRITUAL ADVISORS: Rev. Judy Smith and Minister Angannette Brittingham (Ballie), and Forrest Jackson and other friends that drove him around when he became ill. Remembering Sonnyman is also his ever so faithful nieces and nephews: Maurice, Tavon, Wonnetta, Kasheem, Macky, George (Tessie), Darius (Courtney), Apeira (William); twenty-five Great-nieces and nephews and one great-great nephew. One Uncle, Sandy Biles, (Retired Army, Augusta GA) and his wife Rosa. His Favorite Aunts in the entire world, Aunt Doris, Aunt Lessie, Aunt Liz, Auntie Marjorie, Aunt Margie (Atlantic City, NJ) and Aunt Margie (Macon, GA). Godmothers, Lucille Glee and Carrie Pearl Alston; Great-Great Aunts, Hattie Bennett and Pat Dean. He also leaves his friend, his dog, Shelly Kelly Biles whom he loved very much.

Tributes

Arnold E. Biles

November 21, 1961 - April 6, 2012