Ronald E. Miles, Sr.

Mr. Ronald Edward Miles Sr., affectionately known as “Poozie” to many, was surrounded by his family when he passed away peacefully Monday evening, January 8, 2024 at Washington Hospital Center. He was born May 30, 1936, in Washington DC to Mrs. Maggie Woods Miles (deceased) and Mr. Louis E. Miles (Deceased). He grew up in the Wahington DC area and attended DC public schools such as Randall Junior High where he received honors from the Glee Club. He later graduated from Armstrong Senior High. During High school, he met some fellows and started a group called “The Serenaders”, later changing the name to “The Rainbows”. They played in venues such as the Howard Theater and the Crystal Caverns. Their hit songs included: “Mary Lee”, “Shirley” and “They Say” during the 1950’s. He also sang with a popular Gospel group in the DC area, “The Anita Jones Singers”. He also received an Associate’s Degree in Computer Science from the “Washington Technical Institute” of Washington DC in 1972. He was married to Eleanor T. Miles on June 3^rd, 1961 and had three children.

At an early age, he started working at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a short time. He resigned and enlisted in the Air Force in 1957, where he served for 4 years. While in the Air Force, he met two guys, Joseph Walls (Joe/Deceased) and Layton McDonald (Duck/Deceased), while competing in the Air Force sponsored “TOP in Blue” talent contest at Travis AFB, CA. When he returned from the Air Force he went back to work at IMF. In 1962 the three were reunited with two others who joined the group, Duval Potter (Deceased) and Victor English (Deceased). These now became the new “Rainbows” with Ronald as the only original lead singer. They went on to release a single “It Wouldn’t Be Right” in 1963 and an album. They had success performing for the Governor of Maryland (Tawes), the secretary of Defense (Laird), and a host of clubs and theaters up and down the East Coast. He continued in the Reserves and later went on to serve in the Army, Desert Storm/ Gulf War about 1989 to 1991. He took pride in his service and wore his Vet hat and jacket most of the time being recognized by many for his service. He returned to IMF where he worked for 30 plus years until he retired.

Ronald spent many years singing with various groups. He was one of the last original Rainbows alive and made many guess appearances doing oldies shows. He appeared at Mr. Henry’s during Black History Month several times, as well as other venues with a group called “The Sounds of Harmony All-Stars”, featuring Ron ‘Poozie’ Miles of “The Rainbows”. On October 16, 2022, they appeared for an oldies doowop show at the Zeiterion Theater in New Bedford, Massachusetts. They also enjoyed entertaining at senior citizens nursing homes. Six weeks before he got sick, he did his last show for a Seniors Center on Rhode Island Avenue, Washington DC.

Ronald loved spending time with his family, going to the theater, dinner, traveling or visiting, and occasionally having long phone conversations. When he visited, you knew it, because he made a literal impression where he sat for days. He was such a character who loved giving advice, joking, and talking about the past. But when he was done talking or visiting, he’d go into a quiet mode and turn his phone off for a time, he liked his peace of mind.  

Ronald (Poozie) Miles is proceeded in death by his parents, Louis and Maggie Miles, his three brothers Joseph W. (Bing) Williams, Samuel H. (Ling) Williams, Kenneth A. (Chink) Miles, Daughter (Janice) mom-Shirley J. Williams, his daughter Karen Renee’ Maria Miles and grandson James A. Jones 3^rd. . He leaves to mourn and celebrate his life, his wife Eleanor T. Miles, Children: Janice L. R. (Miles) Jones (Jerome), Diana M. & Ronald E. Miles Jr. (Lisa), Adopted Sons: Donavan, Marvin and Melvin Morgan. Grandchildren: Jerome Javan (Joy), Jerome Jr. (Kenya), Jasmine J.J. Jones, Jerry Miles, Shanita Miles, Ronald E. Miles 3^rd (Jasmine), Charnise Miles, and Joshua Miles. Former Sister-in-Law: Yvonne (Miles) Scott (Clarence).  Several Dear Friends: Brenda Stevenson, Larry Jordan, Deloris Botts, as well as Great Grands (14) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who dearly loved him.