Miles Thomas Cushman

Miles Thomas Cushman AKA MTC, Miles of Smiles, Cush, the Chillmaster, was born in Beckley on Friday, May 13th, 1977. 13 was lucky for him. He was a talented soccer player and forever wore the #13 on all of his soccer jerseys. Miles graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1995 and attended Virginia Tech for his college experience.

 June 6th, 1999 Miles was involved in a serious car accident and he suffered a severe traumatic brain injury. Many angels of God appeared in those days and against all odds Miles miraculously survived. Miles lived out his 25 post accident years at home with his parents. He loved to walk Hawks Chase Lane and the surrounding streets of Glade Springs with his family and friends. He loved it so much that he would even sneak out of the house and walk on his own--a few times neighbors even spotted him and brought him home. For those that knew Miles in high school--that doesn’t surprise anyone!!!

 There are no words to express the impact Miles had on this Earth. He was an inspiration to every single person that he came into contact with, whether he knew them or not. He lived his life to the absolute fullest pre and post accident. He made people feel seen that didn’t feel seen. When people felt they didn’t belong he made them space at the table. He made sure that they felt loved and accepted. Miles showed the world what it meant to live in the moment. He grabbed people’s hands and made them dance until their hearts were filled with joy. He made people do things they never dreamed of and he inspired people to be the best versions of themselves. His infectious spirit strongly drew people to him.

 Miles was a music lover, dancer, and entertainer. He was the epitome of the phrase “dance like no one is watching.” He loved to sing as loud as he could with any music genre, but especially classic rock! Miles was an amazing artist. He made beautiful abstract geometric paintings in bold, bright colors. He loved to give away his art to people he loved-always proudly signing them with a big MTC. 

 His most cherished time was spent with his family. His parents, Tom and Sherry Cushman; younger sisters Camille Cushman and Katelyn Wilks (Cushman) and brother-in-law Scott Wilks. He loved playing with his nephews Liam Wilks, Alexander (AJ) Wilks, and Levi Johnson-Cushman, as well as his niece Rorie Wilks. His numerous Aunts and Uncles, cousins, and extended family survive him. His spirit and light live on through his earthly family and friends.

 You lived life to the fullest.

As Always, You Arose, You Danced, You Loved, And You Lived against all odds.

You are Joy. 

 We love you to infinity.

 *A Celebration of Life will be held on July 27th, 2024 at United Methodist Temple in Beckley. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am, followed by the service at 2:00 pm.

*In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any expression of sympathy and support can be a donation to Beckley Area Foundation Traumatic Brain Injury Fund, Hospice of Southern WV or the United Methodist Temple.