Gail Johnson Miles

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Gail Miles
Santa Clara, Utah

Gail Johnson Miles, 87,  passed away May 31, 2022 in St. George, Utah. He was born September 18, 1934 in Cedar City, Utah to Lorin and Elva Johnson Miles. Gail grew up in Cedar City and had the misfortune of attending the same Jr. High school where is father was principal. He tells of gaining great skill at evading and running from the bullies. After completing high school, Gail served his country in the United States Army, stationed in West Germany. Through this experience he developed a great love for his country.

Shortly after his return home from military service, Gail accepted a call to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the East Central States Mission. Following his mission, Gail worked as a bus driver for the Utah Parks Company hauling tourists to Zion, Bryce, and Grand Canyons. He met his sweetheart Bonnie Adair at Bryce Canyon National Park where she was working as a cashier. They were married June 3, 1959 in the Salt Lake Temple.

Gail graduated from the College of Southern Utah. He later earned a Masters Degree from Brigham Young University, and then went on to earn a Doctorate of Education Specialist from the University of Utah.

Gail began his teaching career in Cedar City.  He subsequently relocated his family to Midvale, Utah and taught sixth grade at Longview Elementary in the Murray School District. Gail later became a school principal at Liberty and Grant Elementary Schools. He enjoyed a great relationship with his peers throughout the Murray District. He was loved by his students and gained a reputation as the teacher who could hit a baseball to the moon, and would spend recess time hitting fly balls to the students on the playground.

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gail served in many callings throughout his life. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and loved them dearly. He taught his family integrity, a love for life, and a love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through his example.

Gail enjoyed the outdoors and loved camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, golfing and playing neighborhood sports where he dominated on his own home driveway basketball court. He enjoyed working with his hands and was a skilled mechanic, carpenter, leather worker, and handyman.  He loved cars and was always on the lookout for another car or pickup to trade for.

Gail is survived by his wife, Bonnie; five children and spouses: Jeff and Annette Miles, Joanne and Kurt Hoopes, Greg and Susan Miles, Carrie Lee and Kip Ferris, Kaye Lynn and Dave Wilcox; 18 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters: Lois Higbee, Marilyn Fotheringham, Carol Adair, and his brother L.C. Miles Jr.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 6, 2022 at 11:00 am in the Santa Clara 16th Ward Chapel, 3815 Rachel Drive, Santa Clara, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the services from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Interment at 3:00 pm, Cedar City Cemetery, 685 N Main, Cedar City, Utah with military honors by the Iron County Veterans Coalition and Utah Honor Guard. Live streaming of the services and online guestbook can be found at www.maglebymortuary.com below Gail's obituary Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the General Missionary Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Flowers can be delivered to the church between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. the morning of the service.