The wealth of a man's life on earth is best characterized by the totality of his family and friends that he influenced.  Leland Earl "Bud" Miley (84) passed away early Friday morning, July 7, 2017, having lived a very rich life indeed.  He passed from this life peacefully at his residence surrounded by his family.

Visitation will be held Saturday, July 8, 2017, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at First Assembly of God, Columbus, MS.  The funeral service will follow at 4:00 p.m. at First Assembly of God with his son, Pastor Lee Miley, officiating.  Pastor Jody Gurley and Pastor Jesse Ray will assist.  Interment will be at Memorial Gardens Park, Starkville, MS with Lowndes Funeral Home directing.

Mr. Miley was born on November 28, 1932, in Neshoba County, MS to the late Emmitt P. and Lettie Ladd Miley.  Bud Miley defended his country in the Korean Conflict serving in the 5th Infantry Regiment, Third Army Division.  He was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained on October 13, 1951, at the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge.  He was also awarded the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal (with one bronze service star) the Republic of Korea War Service Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge, for his service to the United States of America.  He worked as a pipe fitter at Local No. 714 for 38 years.  He was a member of First Assembly of God, Columbus, MS, where he served the church in the Jim Cook Food Pantry for many years.

The youngest of seven siblings and last of his generation, Bud Miley is survived by his wife of 64 years, Betty Jean Bentley Miley, and he passes his legacy to his two sons, Charles Leland Miley (Teresa) and Marcus Randell Miley (Liza).  He was a loving grandfather to seven grandchildren who survive him, Megan Leigh Miley Pedigo (Brandon), Victoria Faith Miley, Hope Elizabeth Miley, Merrill Frances Kemp, Anna Carson Kemp, Ella Grace Shannon, and Jackson Lee Grady, and three great grandchildren, Jon Brantlee Pedigo, Liam Maddox Pedigo, and Kendall Grace Kemp.

He is preceded in death by all of his siblings, Woodrow Miley, Monroe Miley, Milton Hartsfield Miley, Truman Miley, Cranford Maxwell Miley, Emmitt Lavon Miley, Clara Leigh Miley Guiles, and two stillborn children.

Bud will always be remembered by his family and friends as a man who was the epitome of strength tempered and molded by love.  His hand was strong and sure, and he will be greatly missed.

Pallbearers will be Mike Arledge, Bryan Broome, Andy Hubbard, Royce Miley, Brandon Pedigo, Jon Brantlee Pedigo, and Jackson Grady.  Honorary pall bearers will be Dr. John Whitecar & Staff, Dr. Donny Stokes & Staff, Aaron Goss, Curtis Routley, Danny Browning, Sr., John Kennedy, Frank White, Tuesday Bible Study Group, Thomas Pritchard, and Benny Yarbrough.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.

The family would like to thank Annette Shelton, Kindred at Home, and Legacy Hospice for their care and support.