Raymond A. Miles, a businessman who moved to Bainbridge as a young man and than became the community biggest fan, died Wednesday morning in north Georgia.

He was 85.

Miles was born on May 19, 1925, and reared in Ellaville, Ga., one of eight children of a share cropper.

He joined the U.S. Army at age 18 and served in the South Pacific in World War II.

Miles came to Bainbridge in 1960, and carved a career for himself first in insurance, then real estate development.

He, along with wife Wynema “Sam” and son Larry, celebrated the 50th anniversary of Miles Realty in April of this year.

He has been one of Bainbridge/Decatur County’s biggest cheerleaders and a benefactor to the community. He earned a reputation as a champion fund-raiser for such worthy causes and developments as building Bainbridge College and the YMCA.

Always a proponent of educational pursuits, he was a supporter of L.I.F.E., and for the establishment of scholarships to help students further their education. He was also a patron of the arts, especially of The Bainbridge Little Theatre.

With the help of his wife “Sam,” Raymond Miles wrote a book about his amazing life so his family would have a written legacy. By popular demand, a second printing titled, “Thank You Bainbridge!” was made available in November 2009 for sale to the public. All proceeds from the sales went to his favorite charities, including First Baptist Church, the YMCA and the Decatur County-Gilbert H. Gragg Library.

Miles has held local and state offices in organizations and community affairs. He remained an active Rotarian, and was a former Decatur County Commissioner,

He was also instrumental in the construction of the new Department of Children and Family Services building on the corner of Wheat Street and Miliuli Avenue.

Visitation for Miles will be Friday, Oct. 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ivey Funeral home. His funeral will be Saturday, Oct. 16, at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church.

Ivey Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.