RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Aurelius "Reo" B. Miles, a long-time resident of Chicago's South Side, has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 99; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, Aurelius "Reo" B. Miles was the beloved husband of the late Ethel; and
WHEREAS, Aurelius "Reo" B. Miles was the proud father of David and the doting grandfather of Aron to whom he imparted many of the fine and noble qualities that he possessed in abundance; and
WHEREAS, Aurelius "Reo" B. Miles was the loving brother of Alwilda and the cherished uncle of Sandra and Lisa; and
WHEREAS, A talented athlete, Aurelius "Reo" B. Miles broke down racial barriers as the first black tennis player at Chicago's Hyde Park Hyde School; and
WHEREAS, Aurelius "Reo" B. Miles saw fierce combat in Italy during World War II as part of a segregated unit of the United States' 5th Army, the 92nd Infantry Division, popularly known as the "Buffalo Soldiers"; and
WHEREAS, Achieving the rank of Captain and earning a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart and a Silver Star for valor, Aurelius "Reo" B. Miles lost a leg during his heroic military service, but resumed the duties of civilian life with his contagious enthusiasm and positive attitude undiminished; and
WHEREAS, Recuperating in California from his wartime injuries, Aurelius "Reo" B. Miles attended Stanford University and was the first African American to graduate from the Santa Clara University School of Law; and
WHEREAS, As a real estate branch manager and property manager, Aurelius "Reo" B. Miles served the best interests of tenants with fidelity and integrity; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of his long and fruitful life, Aurelius "Reo" B. Miles touched the lives of many with his warmth, wisdom and kindness; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, courage and tireless dedication of Aurelius "Reo" B. Miles serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, His love of life and ability to live it to the fullest endeared Aurelius "Reo" B. Miles to his family members, friends and all who knew him, and enabled him to enrich their lives in ways they will never forget; and
WHEREAS, To his beloved family, Aurelius "Reo" B. Miles imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service and dignity; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this twenty-sixth day of June, 2013, do hereby commemorate Aurelius "Reo" B. Miles for his grace-filled life and do hereby express our condolences to his family; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Aurelius "Reo" B. Miles.