I just got off the phone with former Lion tailback Cary Noiel who informed me that former Lion linebacker Kennis Miles passed away. Miles was a 4 year letterman out of Waco, Texas and started for the Lions 1980 National Semifinalist team. He was a key cog in the defense that took the Lions the closest they have gotten since 1972 to winning a national title. Cary was sharing with me that a lot of people are stunned and saddened by this.
The 1908 ETSU Football team, of which Miles was a starter on defense on.
Miles graduated from Richfield High School in Waco in 1976 and lettered for 4 years for the Lions. He worked his way up to starter and after his college career was over joined the Texas Department of Public Safety as a State Trooper, a position he held until he retired about 2 years ago. He was active in Church and sang in a gospel quartet and was a Godly man described by all.
He is survived by his wife Minnie, a Commerce native, and his daughters.
Miles with the Legendary Coach Ernest Hawkins at a tailgate earlier this season.
When Cary and I were talking about this, he had reminded me that Kennis loved to sing the Roll Call after winning, but in light of this tragic passing, I am going to put the full lyrics of the song as I feel it is a appropriate. This morning, the roll of Heaven was called, and Miles is now there with his Lord.
When The Trumpet of The Lord Shall Sound And Time Shall be No More,
And The Morning Breaks Eternal Bright and Fair,
When the Saints of Earth Shall Gather to their home beyond the shore,
And The Roll is Called up Yonder I’ll Be There.
When The Roll is called up Yonder, When The Roll is Called up Yonder
When The Roll is called Up Yonder, When The Roll is Called up Yonder I’ll Be There.
On That Bright and Cloudless Morning when the Dead in Christ Shall Rise,
And the Glory of his resurrection share,
When his chosen ones shall gather to their home beyond the skies,
And the Roll is called up yonder I’ll be there.
When The Roll is called up Yonder, When The Roll is Called up Yonder
When The Roll is called Up Yonder, When The Roll is Called up Yonder I’ll Be There.
Let us labor for The Master from the dawn till setting sun,
Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care,
Then when all of life is over and our work on earth is done,
And The Roll is called up yonder Ill be there,
When The Roll is called up Yonder, When The Roll is Called up Yonder
When The Roll is called Up Yonder, When The Roll is Called up Yonder I’ll Be There.
Rest in Peace Kennis Miles.
The Lion Wire 