Joseph Ray Miles, 32, formerly of Guin, passed away at his home in Asheville, N.C. from an accidental overdose with a substance laced with fentanyl. He fought a long battle with addiction and had recently experienced freedom, joy and true happiness with over 4 months of sobriety.
Joseph never wanted to be defined by his addiction and mistakes. He was so much more than that. Joseph was a beautiful soul who fell into addiction’s grip. It can happen to anyone. He had a heart of gold, and his smile would light up a room; anyone from his childhood or his adult life could confirm. He was kind, funny, determined, adventurous, selfless, loyal, and respectful. He never judged anyone about their life or their choices. He tried to find the positive in any situation and selflessly offered help to others...all the while fighting his own demons. His generosity extended to many of those who suffered in silence. If he had nothing to give, he'd give that and have less than nothing.
Joseph loved his family deeply and was so proud to be an uncle. He would bring home every stray kitten he found, loved to draw, paint, skateboard around town, spend the day on the water either fishing or canoeing and lastly, was one heck of a gamer. He'd loved the game for most of his life.
Joseph is survived by his parents, Christie Papiani and Joe Ed Miles; his sister, Macy Miles (Steel); his brother, Carson Miles; his nephew, August; grandmothers, Debbie Hawkins and JoAnn McCluskey; his girlfriend, Taylor Bryant; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Joseph's family would like to speak the truth about his death. Silence would mean Joseph's death was in vain, but if one person's life is saved by his story, we would tell it a million more times. We know the pain of his suffering. We know the pain of our own suffering as his family. We know there are one hundred other people right here in our community and surrounding areas suffering that are addicted, or as loved ones to them. Speaking more on this deadly epidemic and crushing the stigma about addiction could be the difference between life and death for someone else.
Joseph knew his Lord and Savior and as a family, we know he is at the right hand of God- his demons have been defeated and Joseph is home.
"The Lord is near the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit"
Psalms 34:18
A private memorial service for Joseph was held on Monday, July 29, 2024.
Miles Memorial Funeral Home
981 State Highway 253
Winfield, AL 35594
205-487-4327
See complete story in the Journal Record.
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