Francell Miles

FRANCELL MILES, son of the late Alexander Miles and Cora Lee Blanton Miles was born on February 2, 1923 in Baltimore, Maryland. He departed this life on Saturday, November 7, 2015. Affectionately known as “Froggie.” he was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System. While he only received a 7th grade education, Francell served his country, worked hard, created a successful life for his family and later went on to receive his GED. Francell served in the United States Army during World War II, working in campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. In the military he earned several citations, that included the “World War II Victory Ribbon” and was honorably discharged in December of 1945. Following his military service, he was employed with the Baltimore City Housing Authority and earned several professional certifications. He received paperhanging, painting and decorating certificates from the Maryland Vocational School in 1950, a bricklaying diploma from the Maryland School of Building Trades in 1951, and numerous service awards from the Baltimore Urban Renewal and Housing Agency during his 44 year tenure. He married his first wife, Marie Scott, in 1941 and fathered one son, Francell A. Miles, from that union. After his young wife's untimely death, Francell met and married the late Melanie Jane Holmes in May of 1950. From this union, Melanie Patricia Miles was born and Paul Holmes gained a loving and supportive father. Francell loved his family and taught them the value of hard work. Froggie was the life of the party. Always the first to the dance floor, and most often the last. Everyone would anxiously await his famous “split” at every party. Fun-loving and family oriented, Francell relished the time he spent in celebration with his loved ones. He also enjoyed , and excelled, at playing softball. His favorite after retirement past time were frequent trips to Maryland, Delaware and West Virginia casinos. He was preceded in death by his wife Melanie Jane Miles and six of this brothers and sisters: Elwood Miles, Anna Hayes, Pearline Dukes, James Miles, Roosevelt Miles and George Miles. He leaves to mourn; one brother, Clarence Miles; two sons, Paul A. Holmes and Francell A. Miles (North Carolina); his daughter, Melanie P. Johnson; one daughter-in-law, Linda Mitchell-Holmes; four grandchildren, Briana Holmes Penny and Ebony Holmes (Maryland) , Francell Lamont Miles and Francis A. Miles (North Carolina); three great-granddaughters, one great-great-grandson, a special friend, Janet Morse; and a hosts of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

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Francell Miles

February 2, 1923 - November 7, 2015