John Craigmiles

John Lamon Craigmiles age 80 of Cleveland, Tn., a faithful servant of God went home to be with the Lord, Wednesday March 25, 2015 at a Chattanooga hospice.
He attended Norman Chapel grade school and College Hill School in Bradley county and Cleveland, Tn. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was recognized for his valor with two Purple Heart medals . He returned to the United States and lived for some time in Chicago, Ill., where he was employed as a longshoreman for the teamsters. Upon his return to his home in Cleveland, Tn., he was employed with Bowater Paper Company in Charleston, Tn., finally with TVA and was recognized for ten years of service there. He professed his faith in Christ at a young age and was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Cleveland, Tn., where he served as a trustee, and in the male chorus. He was also a member of the American legion VFW and the Bradley County Chapter of the 100 Black Men. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Sam and Louise Craigmiles, grandparents, James and Catherine Bearden Whaley, sisters, Catherine Craigmiles, Christine Taylor, and Shirley Aleen Craigmiles, uncles, Cleo, Frank, Lewis, Leland, Edward L., and Jack Whaley. Aunts, Blanch Cobb, Edna Whaley Pugh, and Laura ‘Tootie’ Whaley. Devoted cousins, Ed Lee Whaley, Doris Rae Blair, Harry Craigmiles, and Jimmy Pugh.

He leaves to cherish his memory three daughters, Lynn Craigmiles, Tara (Julius) Craigmiles-Beecham and Sonya Craigmiles all of Chicago, Ill. Two grandchildren, Genefis and Noah Beecham both of Chicago, Ill. Brother, Fred (Helen) Craigmiles of Chicago, Ill. Sisters, Sammie Thompson, Wilma Blair, and Rebecca Ann ( Richard) Powell all of Cleveland, Tn. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins , friends and special friends, Merle Johnson, Gayle Taylor, Kim Pugh all of Cleveland, Tn., and Willa Craigmiles of Chicago, Ill.

Home going services will be held Sunday, March 29, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Cleveland, Tn. with pastor, Rev. Edward S. Robinson Sr. officiating and delivering the eulogy. Interment will be at Fort Hill Cemetery- Veteran Section with military honors.
The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the church from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Visitation by friends will begin at 1:00p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Saturday at M.D. Dotson & Sons Funeral Home – Cleveland, Tn