Robert E. "Bobby" Miles

Robert Elliott “Bobby” Miles

SUNRISE • APRIL 29, 1959 | SUNSET • AUGUST 10, 2026

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Robert Elliott “Bobby” Miles passed away Monday, August 10, 2026, in Lansing, Michigan. Age 67 years. He was born Wednesday, April 29, 1959, to his beloved parents, Asa Miles Jr. and Cornelia Gant Miles. At a young age, Bobby accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at Lewis Chapel Methodist Church in Albion, Michigan, establishing a spiritual foundation that remained an important part of his life’s journey.

Bobby attended Albion Public Schools and graduated in 1977. He continued his education at Michigan State University, where he earned a degree in Packaging Engineering. His professional career included employment with Michigan National Bank, the State of Michigan Department of Corrections, and the Ingham Intermediate School District.

A proud Michigan State Spartan who bled Green and White, Bobby loved Spartan athletics, Homecoming, Spartan Football and Basketball Games. He served for many years as a boys’ and girls’ basketball coach through the Waverly School District and in AAU programs. He was a dedicated mentor to young athletes, teaching discipline, teamwork, preparation, perseverance, and confidence. One of his favorite reminders to his players was, “Free throws win games.” Bobby also had an exceptional understanding of sports and could often anticipate a play before the television commentators called it. His friends often said he had the instincts of a sports analyst and could have easily held his own behind the microphone.

Warm, witty, naturally funny, and a true history buff, Bobby loved people and brought laughter to all. Family and friends often joked that he had missed his calling as a comedian. He also had a lifelong love of music, especially R&B, funk, and soul. His appreciation for jazz grew from time spent with his father, Asa, an avid jazz lover. Bobby had an amazing memory for music and seemed to remember the words to almost every song - and many raps - he heard. At any given moment, he might unexpectedly break out in song or rap, often surprising everyone around him.

At the heart of Bobby’s family were his daughters, Noelle Miles of Windermere, Florida, and Chantel (Madison) Doctor of Farmington Hills, Michigan. He was a loving father and proud grandfather, affectionately known as “Poppy” to his beloved grandchildren, Samara Doctor, Madison “CJ” Doctor Jr., and Lance Doctor.

Bobby cherished a close, loving bond with his siblings: Marcele Morgan of Lansing, Michigan; Linda Howard of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Gwendolyn Dees of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Teresa (Gary) Watson of Ann Arbor, Michigan; Bonnie (Louis) Dean of Ypsilanti, Michigan; and Dennis Miles of Douglasville, Georgia. His close family circle also included his aunts, Janet Geary of Detroit, Michigan, and Lorraine Gant of Albion, Michigan; and his mother-in-law, Earlene Williams of Farmington Hills, Michigan.

Among those who shared an important chapter of Bobby’s life was his former wife and lifelong friend, Michelle Williams Miles. His family circle also included his goddaughters, Jaleesa Miller, Nikia Folden, Destiny Edmond, and Angelica Brown.

Bobby was surrounded by a special circle of friends, as well as lifelong Spartan buddies, who shared in his life’s journey through friendship and brotherhood. His special friends included Zinnia Baker, Bonnie Edmonds, Darryl Folden, Harris Henderson Jr., Harry Moorehead, Rosemary Robinson, and Rodney Sumpter. His lifelong Spartan buddies included Ray “Otho” Carter, Ronnie “Rabbit” Edmond Sr., and Tyrone Williams.

He also leaves to cherish his memory his nephews, Greg Howard, Justin Miller, and Devin Miles; his nieces, Terika Norris, Shayla Armstead, Jaleesa Miller, and Serelda Hurd; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, extended family members, former players, classmates, coworkers, Spartan friends, and longtime friends.

Bobby was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Jasmine Starr Miles and his beloved parents, Asa Miles Jr. and Cornelia Gant Miles.

Bobby will be remembered as a loving father, proud Poppy, brother, uncle, Die-Hard Spartan, basketball coach, history buff, music lover, loyal friend, and a man whose warmth, wit, laughter, and many connections brought joy to those who knew him.

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