William "Will" James Miles IV

William "Will" James Miles IV of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2023, as a result of a car accident. He was 20 years old. Will was born in Muncie, Indiana, on August 23, 2003, to Athena C. Miles and William James Miles III.

Will was a 2022 graduate of Classical Studies of Indianapolis. As a car enthusiast, he chose to become an automobile mechanic with Tires Plus in Carmel. His ultimate goal was to become a master mechanic working on high-end Supercars. He loved people, and his growing skill in his role as a mechanic was just one more way to help others, customers and co-workers alike. Naturally, he was an avid racing fan who attended any race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway that he could. He had a special connection with one of his spiritual mentors, Marc West, who went to many races with him. His dad, James, is also thankful for the endurance race he, Marc, and Will attended this past fall.

In 2021, Will chose to be baptized to demonstrate his deepening faith. He was an active participant at Faith Church from the age of 3, and even after graduating from student ministry, he continued to cultivate close friendships that began at church. At Urbana 2022, he began exploring ways he might use his mechanic skills to help people in other parts of the world. He enjoyed serving with young adults in Spain this past summer and was excited about going back in 2024. He recently began serving as a small group leader in Faith Church’s Awana program for kids in preschool through 5th grade.

It’s hard to think of a time when Will wasn’t smiling or laughing. Everyone who knew him remembers his kind and joyful spirit. Even as a young adult making his way in the world, he was always willing to listen to advice or suggestions from his parents and enjoyed spending time with his family, whether traveling or in everyday life. His mom, Tina, is especially thankful for the memories they made together on a junior/senior trip to Israel and Jordan with his brother Alex and his grandparents. Alex’s favorite memories of the trip with Will were when they climbed up on various rocks and posed for glamor shots. But they also enjoyed learning about the history and culture and trying amazing food. Will began dating Addie Sole in 2020. It was clear how much fun they had together and how they each brought out the best in the other.

Will’s love of soccer began when he was four years old and his mom was looking for ways to help him burn off some energy. They had no idea then the close friendships he would make over the years. Will’s brother Alex says, “His teammates loved him, but his opponents feared him.” He was fiercely competitive, especially when playing defense! This past year, he channeled his competitiveness into a new sport, disc golf. He played multiple times a week with his dad and brother and a wonderful group of disc golf aficionados from church. His dad is so thankful for the extra time they had together in the last 7 months as they played over 50 rounds of disc golf together.

When it came to being a sports fan (other than racing, of course), the Indianapolis Colts were Will’s favorite team. In fact, he was so excited about their upcoming game during the first weekend in January of 2024 that he would appreciate knowing his family did not schedule any important events that may have prevented others from watching it.

The Miles family is grateful for every year and cherished moment they had with Will. It was a joy to watch him continually learn, grow, and serve. They had deep affection for the young man he was and who he was becoming. While their hearts ache with the reality that they won’t get to witness his full potential in other stages of life on this side of eternity, there is great comfort in knowing he is with Jesus and they will one day see him again. They rest in the hope and peace that can only come through Christ our Savior and draw strength from God’s goodness being poured out on them through the kindness of community.

Will is survived by his father William James Miles III and his mother Athena C. Miles; his brothers Alexander Miles, Marcus Miles, and David Miles; his maternal grandparents, Michael & Esther Harbin, and paternal grandparents, David & Lo Miles; his girlfriend Addie Sole, and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, mentors, and friends.

A visitation for Will will be held Friday, January 5, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Faith Church, 9125 N. College Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46240, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM. A reception will immediately follow the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in Will's memory be made to STEAM Cathedral at https://www.steamcathedral.com/, a ministry that connects mentors, apprentices, and students in interactive projects and programs, including training in auto-mechanic skills. Will had planned to serve with this organization as he grew in his skills as a mechanic. Contributions may also be made to the Will Miles Mission Scholarship Fund at Faith Church. Will was greatly impacted by his time serving in Spain last summer. His family knows he would love for others to have the same experience. Contributions to the Will Miles Scholarship Fund may be made at https://pushpay.com/g/faithchurchindy by selecting “Memorial Gift—Will Miles.” Young adults going on an overseas mission trip will be able to apply for a scholarship from the fund.